Electrochemical Deposition of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

A method of forming a coating on a metal surface of a substrate, comprising:

• applying a positive potential to a first metal surface on a substrate to form a working electrode;
• applying a negative potential to a second metal surface or a conductive surface of a substrate to form a counter electrode;
• disposing the working electrode and counter electrode in a solution comprising free carbene, a salt of carbene, or a combination;
• and
• producing a coated metal surface,
• wherein the positive potential and negative potential are referenced to a reference electrode of substantially equivalent potential to a Ag/AgCl electrode.