Abstract

A phenomenon analogous to current rectification occurring in a diode could be demonstrated at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces constructed using a mixed monolayer configuration formed by the self assembly of decane thiol and thioctic acid. Two types of configuration have been described. In the first type (Configuration-1), diode like electron transfer is shown to occur in a ferrocene monocarboxylic acid functionalized mixed monolayer, in contact with the electrolyte containing potassium ferrocyanide. In the second type (Configuration-2), the functionalized mixed monolayer consists of two redox species ferrocene dicarboxylic acid and 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone linked through covalent linkage. This bilayer represents an electrochemical analogue of a diode and current rectification is observed.