Localised polymerisation of acrylamide using single-barrel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy

Single-barrel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy has been adapted for polymerisation of acrylamide in droplet cells formed at gold electrode surfaces. Localised electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerisation enables controlled synthesis and deposition of polyacrylamide or synthesis of polyacrylamide brushes from initiator-functionalised electrode surfaces. Single-barrel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy has been used for the first time to achieve localized polymerization of acrylamide at a surface with fine control over the reactions and the resulting polymer features formed.