Adsorption of Hexacontane on Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Abstract

We have investigated the adsorption of hexacontane (C 60 H 122 ) on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The molecules can be deposited either by sublimation or from solution and form lamellar rows with dimensions of the order of 0.1−1 μm in three different rotational domains. High-resolution AFM images reveal that, similar to alkanes on graphite, the molecules are adsorbed parallel to the lattice vectors of hBN and we show using molecular mechanics that this corresponds to the lowest energy configuration. Lamellar rows with the same periodicity are observed even when several layers of hexacontane are deposited, although there is some orientational disorder in these multilayers. We also observe heat-induced modification of hexacontane, including recrystallization. We compare our results with recent X-ray studies of alkane adsorption on hBN and discuss the possible role of alkanes on steering molecular self-assembly on hBN.

Ultra-high resolution imaging of thin films and single strands of polythiophene using atomic force microscopy

“…This implies, given the structure of an individual PT molecule (Fig. 1d), that the decyl side chains lie parallel to hBN lattice vectors similar to the arrangement observed for n -alkanes on hBN 43 . This suggests that the placement of P3DT molecules and, hence of the PT backbone itself, is determined, at least in part, by the preferred orientation of the decyl side chains.…”

Interfacial Liquid Water on Graphite, Graphene, and 2D Materials

“…On the other hand, the formation of lamellar rows of alkane molecules on graphite-like surfaces is a well-established experimental observation. 243,244,246,247 The lamellar rows observed by the direct deposition of alkanes on graphite surfaces 243,244,247 were very similar to the ones found on the same surfaces exposed to ambient air 96−99 or immersed in pure water. 11,50,100,242 Interfacial Liquid Water on Hydrophobic Surfaces.…”

“…However, there was neither experimental evidence nor theoretical simulations that supported the formation of lamellar rows from the adsorption of N 2 gas molecules. On the other hand, the formation of lamellar rows of alkane molecules on graphite-like surfaces is a well-established experimental observation. ,,, The lamellar rows observed by the direct deposition of alkanes on graphite surfaces ,, were very similar to the ones found on the same surfaces exposed to ambient air − or immersed in pure water. ,,, …”

Epitaxial multilayers of alkanes on two-dimensional black phosphorus as passivating and electrically insulating nanostructures

“…Similar types of disorder and complex arrangements have also been observed in multilayer films of alkanes on hexagonal boron nitride. 39 We therefore conclude that the ordered domains deposited in these experimental conditions are composed of several superimposed C24 layers. The reciprocal orientations of lamellae within ordered multilayered domains (two directions at an angle of 69 ± 5°) suggest that the same epitaxial interaction is occurring at the C24/bP interface along the e3/e3* principal axis as in C24 monolayers, and that this order propagates to successive deposited layers.…”