Reducing delamination of an electron-transporting polymer from a metal oxide for electrochemical applications

Delamination of the electron-transporting polymer N2200 from indium tin oxide (ITO) in aqueous electrolytes is mitigated by modifying ITO with an azide-functionalized phosphonic acid (PA) which, upon UV irradiation, reacts with the polymer. The optical, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical properties of N2200 thin films are retained in aqueous and non-aqueous media. An azide-modified phosphonic acid can be used to covalently tether polymers to indium tin oxide, preventing delamination and dissolution.