Staudinger Vilarassa reaction: A powerful tool for surface modification and superhydrophobic properties

•Use of Staudinger–Vilarrasa reaction for fast surface functionalization.•Superhydrophobic properties obtained using long alkyl chains.•Surface structures preserved after the post-functionalization.

Here we report for the time, the use of Staudinger–Vilarrasa reaction for fast surface functionalization. Using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanofibrous surfaces bearing azido groups, this reaction allows for the functionalization of surfaces with amide linker in just 3 h. The functionalization by long alkyl chains induces the formation of highly hydrophobic surfaces while the surface structures are preserved. This reaction can be a key pathway for fast surface modification for a large range of applications such as in cell or bacterial adhesion, for example.

Graphical abstractThe Staudinger–Vilarrasa reaction and the Staudinger reduction can be used to introduce various substituents with various hydrophobic properties. This reaction can be a key pathway for fast surface modification for a large range of applications.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (37 K)Download as PowerPoint slide