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Structure and stability of tilted-chain phases of alkanethiols on Au(111)

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Physics
OSTI ID:776629

We present evidence for the existence of ordered tilted-chain phases of self-assembled monolayers of C{sub 18}H{sub 33}SH alkylthiols (C18) on Au(111). Tilted phases have been observed before under compressive stress in thiol and silanes monolayers. In the present experiments with C18, tilted phases have been observed to exist also in the absence of applied pressure. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has been used to determine the thickness and lattice periodicity of the films. Two phases have been found to coexist: an hexagonal one with (*3x*3)R30 degrees periodicity (tilt angle 35 degrees), which is characteristic of complete monolayers, and a less dense one with (2x*3)rect periodicity. This corresponds to a 50 degrees-tilted phase, predicted by a chain-interlocking model. The new phase can be irreversibly transformed into the hexagonal phase by mechanical perturbation with the AFM tip.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Director, Office of Science. Office of Basic Energy Studies. Division of Materials Sciences (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
776629
Report Number(s):
LBNL--46577
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Physics Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 114; ISSN JCPSA6; ISSN 0021-9606
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English