Self-assembled-monolayer formation of long alkanedithiols in molecular junctions

Small. 2008 Jan;4(1):100-4. doi: 10.1002/smll.200700623.

Abstract

The orientation of alkanedithiol molecules in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is of vital importance for their transport properties in molecular junctions. It is demonstrated that a too-low concentration of long alkanedithiols in ethanol leads to the formation of looped molecules, resulting in a 50-fold increase of the current through the SAM. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that high-concentration dithiol solutions result in a preferential standing-up phase. To obtain an almost full standing-up phase of 1,14-tetradecanedithiol (C14) a 30 mM concentration in ethanol is required, whereas a 0.3 mM concentration leads to a highly looped monolayer. The conduction through the full standing-up phase of C14 and C16 is in accordance with the exponential dependence on molecule length as obtained from shorter alkanedithiols.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / chemistry*
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds