XPS and NRA investigations during the fabrication of gold nanostructured functionalized screen-printed sensors for the detection of metallic pollutants
Functionalized nanostructured SPEs were made by multi-step diazonium salt chemistry. Investigation of SPEs surface by XPS and NRA shows monolayer coverage by aminobenzyl groups. Complete conversion of aminobenzyl groups into diazonium functions was also evidenced. Covalent grafting of AuNPs onto SPEs lead to an unusual modification of Au-4f core level spectrum. Ligand and lead signals showed the interest of nanostructurated SPEs for trace metals detection.