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Structure and Order of Phosphonic Acid-Based Self-Assembled Based Self-Assembled

Journal Article · · Langmuir
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/la1021438· OSTI ID:1019645

Organophosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on oxide surfaces have recently seen increased use in electrical and biological sensor applications. The reliability and reproducibility of these sensors require good molecular organization in these SAMs. In this regard, packing, order, and alignment in the SAMs is important, as it influences the electron transport measurements. In this study, we examine the order of hydroxyl- and methyl-terminated phosphonate films deposited onto silicon oxide surfaces by the tethering by aggregation and growth method using complementary, state-of-art surface characterization tools. Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and in situ sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy are used to study the order of the phosphonate SAMs in vacuum and under aqueous conditions, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry results show that these samples form chemically intact monolayer phosphonate films. NEXAFS and SFG spectroscopy showed that molecular order exists in the octadecylphosphonic acid and 11-hydroxyundecylphosphonic acid SAMs. The chain tilt angles in these SAMs were approximately 37{sup o} and 45{sup o}, respectively.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE - OFFICE OF SCIENCE
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
1019645
Report Number(s):
BNL--95491-2011-JA
Journal Information:
Langmuir, Journal Name: Langmuir Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 26; ISSN LANGD5; ISSN 0743-7463
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English