Heads and tails: simultaneous exposed and buried interface imaging of monolayers

ACS Nano. 2009 Oct 27;3(10):3115-21. doi: 10.1021/nn901030x.

Abstract

We have simultaneously imaged the chemically bound head groups and exposed tail groups in bicomponent alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers on Au{111} with molecular resolution. This has enabled us to resolve the controversy of scanning tunneling microscopy image interpretation and to measure the molecular polar tilt and azimuthal angles. Our local measurements demonstrate that ordered domains with different superstructures also have varied buried sulfur head group structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds