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Characterization of organosulfur monolayer formation at gold electrodes

Thesis/Dissertation ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/383576· OSTI ID:383576
 [1]
  1. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)
Among the many types of organic films, covalently-attached organosulfur monolayers have attracted a great deal of attention. The authors have focused their interest on the fundamental characterization of spontaneously adsorbed organosulfur monolayers. An introductory chapter presents general aspects of monolayer preparation and characterization, followed by a few examples that illustrate the range of applications of these films. This thesis contains two papers. In the first paper, three analogous monolayer precursors are studied to determine their similarities and differences in the monolayer structure. A GC-MS analysis of products form the chemisorption process and open circuit potential measurements are used to derive possible mechanisms behind monolayer formation. The second paper focuses on monolayers formed from thioctic acid, including its characterization and application to cytochrome c electrochemistry. Although thiols and disulfides have been extensively studied as monolayer precursors, thioctic acid is particularly interesting because the disulfide functionality of this asymmetric molecule is contained in a strained five-membered ring. Given the ring strain, steric bulk and asymmetry of the molecule, the study of these monolayers lend insight into the factors important for the formation of organosulfur monolayers. This thesis concludes with a general summary and directions for future studies. 40 refs.
Research Organization:
Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-82
OSTI ID:
383576
Report Number(s):
IS-T--1789; ON: DE97000275
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English