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

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. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.