The study of how molecules interact at surfaces as been epitomized by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). SAMs are long-chain alkyl chains, which interact with surfaces based on sulfur-coinage metal interaction (alkylthiolates) or a sol-gel type reaction with a hydroxylated oxide surface (trichlorosilyl alkyls or trialkoxy alkyls). However, unlessthe surface is carefully treated and the alkyl chain is long,these SAMs tend to form disordered monolayers, which donot pack well. Unlike SAMs, which pack based on the alltrans configuration of the alkyl chain, the repeat unit of theparylenes (the monomer) interact with each other based onthe high polarizability of the phenyl ring. These molecularlayers are significantly more robust than alkyl-based SAMs,with a conformal vapor deposition process, superior thermalstability, selectivity versus transition metals,andfunctionalizability.These attributes may allow parylenemolecular layers to find commercial interest in nanotechnologydriven areas, where traditional SAMs have fallenshort and are of mostly academic interest. In short, parylenemolecular layers are a robust manufacturing process wherelittle sample preparation is needed.
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