The use of small organic molecules to control surface structure as well as electronic and chemical functionality is a critical field for the development of inexpensive and highly functional organic technologies in energy conversion, sensors, electronics, and other applications. We study the self-assembly of highly-ordered organic nanostructures at surfaces to develop well-controlled, functional organic layers. Characterization is made by high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. Here we report on progress using carboxylic acid functional groups both in direct bonding to the Cu(100) surface as well as in highly-robust, self-assembled ionically bonded architectures. The latter form by an on-surface reaction with NaCl, show uniform ordering with annealing, and have high thermal stability, as determined by molecular resolution STM at high temperatures. Interfacial organic layers are also studied to enable highly-ordered structures from molecules that do not order directly on the metal surface.

Strategies for highly-ordered and thermally robust organic layers at metal surfaces

245th National Meeting (2013)

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