The process of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formation by the spread coating of an octadecylphosphonic acid (OPA) solution onto a mica surfce is investigated by atomic force microscopy. When concentrated solutions are employed, a novel mechanism of SAM formation is found: OPA mutilayers, mostly bilayers, are initially deposited on the mica surface. As time passes, these lerge mutlilayers break apart and evole into disorganized monolayes. Following a rapid evolution, such monolayers are found to transform into well-ordered OPA self-assembled monolayers.
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