Public defence in Electronics Integration and Reliability, M.Sc.(Tech.) Elli Leppänen

The title of the thesis: Exploring the complex and diverse world of carbon electrochemistry: Unraveling the interplay between structure-property relationships 

Doctoral student: Elli Leppänen
Opponent: Prof. Frank Marken, University of Bath, UK
Custos: Prof. Tomi Laurila, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation

Carbon is an incredibly versatile material that exists in various forms, known as allotropes. Each allotrope possesses distinct properties, making carbon a highly useful material for a wide range of technical applications. Significant attention has been directed towards utilizing carbon nanomaterials to develop sensor materials for healthcare. There is a growing need for accurate and real-time measurements to enhance patient care and diagnostics. These sensor technologies rely on electrochemical reactions. 

To achieve carbon-based sensors with the required sensitivity and selectivity to measure biomolecules in their physiological environment, it is essential to understand the relationship between the electrochemical behavior and the structural and surface properties of carbon nanomaterials. 

In this study, we extensively investigated various carbon nanomaterials using a range of characterization methods, including structural, chemical, and electrochemical approaches. Through a thorough investigation, we established a connection between the observed electrochemical performance and the known physicochemical properties of these materials. Our findings demonstrated that for electroanalytical applications, the performance of carbon nanomaterials improved significantly when they featured a porous structure, enabling efficient mass transfer, as well as incorporated metal particles and suitable surface chemistry that catalyzed the detection of biomolecules. 

In the field of electroanalytical sensors, there is a notable lack of systematic assessments of the structural and fundamental electrochemical properties of carbon allotropes. Comprehensive and systematic studies on these materials are scarce. Therefore, this study serves as a solid foundation for other researchers to broaden the utilization of these materials in more complex electroanalytical applications and beyond. 

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

Contact information:

Doctoral theses in the School of Electrical Engineering: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/53