Self-Assembly of Conjugated Molecular Rods: A High-Resolution STM Study

摘要

The formation, properties, and potential applications of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on metal and metal oxide surfaces have recently been demonstrated and reviewed. and it is clear that the investigation of these structures represents a target ofopportunity for the discovery of new physical phenomena and technologies. In this regard, the determination of the nature and degree of order in a SAM can be a prerequisite for its eventual utilization, yet to date, only SAMs based on n-alkane systems [i.e., CH_3(CH_2)nCH_2SH chemisorbed on the Au(lll) surface] have been characterized with molecular resolution. For this reason, the n-alkanethiol/Au( 111) SAM model has become the most popular platform for experiments requiring a well-ordered structure.However, for the further investigation and utilization of monolayer assemblies, the need is great to develop and characterize new SAM systems that can rival those derived from n-alkanethiols with respect to order. Along these lines, we have undertaken investigations of the structures and properties of monolayers derived from conjugated arylthiol derivatives, and specifically, those related to the series of oligo(phenylethynyl)benzenethiols represented by 1 (n >= 1).