Uncovering the relationship between the structure and acid-base properties for hyperbranched polyester-polyols self-assembled on carbon surfaces

Abstract The self-assembly of three different generations hyperbranched polyester-polyol polymers, based on 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid units (H20, H30, and H40 Boltorn®), carbon electrodes was studied. physico-chemical properties this family polymers confined a surface were explored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface pKa the polymer layers determined impedimetric titration EIS variation in charge transfer resistance electroactive redox probe [Fe(CN)6]4−/[Fe(CN)6]3− at pH. AFM used to characterize topography also its viscoelastic acquisition phase images. relation between structure acid-base can be explained terms rearrangement layer due effect intermolecular hydrogen bonds adsorbate-substrate interactions. In study, we report powerful, versatile yet simple procedure for functionalizing materials surfaces without pre-treatment requirements, which could useful generate promising platforms development sensors drug delivery systems.