Effective Thickness of Polymer Monolayers on
Degenerate Si
Matthew Souva1 and Professor Ian Suni2
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
The formation of a polymer film on degenerate Si will to be examined by electrochemical means
in different solutions of Fe+2/Fe+3. Degenerate Si is heavily doped so that it exhibits the electrical
properties of a metal rather than a semiconductor. One goal is to determine the effective thickness of the
polymer monolayer, which is needed to determine the electron transfer rate through the film. Both cyclic
voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a three-electrode cell will be used to
measure the effect of changing the electrolyte concentration on the electron transfer rate. Complex plane
analysis of the impedance response can be used to evaluate the charge transfer resistance of the polymer
monolayer on Si and compared to models for the effect of polymer thickness. A thicker polymer film
indicates a more fully formed monolayer, which makes further protein binding more effective. Future
research includes testing with different lengths of polymers. Applications for such a polymer monolayer
include protein biosensors, where biomolecules are attached to the polymer film.
1 – Clarkson University Honors Program, Chemical Engineering Major, Class of 2011
2 – Professor, Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clarkson University