Control of self-organized nanostructures induced by the geometric isomerization of azobenzene molecules

Abstract

This work aims to study the control of the formation of self-organized nanostructures during the oscillatory electrodeposition of copper by the geometric isomerization of azobenzene and derivative molecules. The control will be carried out by irradiating light in the UV-visible region which, in turn, induces a change in the cis or trans molecular geometry depending on the wavelength of the radiation. Therefore, this type of "photoswitch" will allow precise control of the thickness of metallic nano-layers in the cathodic deposition regime. The experiments will be carried out in aqueous solution of sulfuric acid and copper sulphate with the addition of azobenzene molecules over a large concentration range. The dynamics of the system will be analyzed using traditional electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, while electrode surface characterization will be based on microscopy techniques, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and ellipsomicroscopy for surface imaging (EMSI).