Surface characterization of sulfur and alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers on Au(111)

Abstract

In the last two decades surface science techniques have decisively contributed to our present knowledge of alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on solid surfaces. These organic layers have been a challenge for surface scientists, in particular because of the soft nature of the organic material (which can be easily damaged by irradiation), the large number of atoms present in the molecules, and the complex physical chemistry involved in the self-assembly process. This challenge has been motivated by the appealing technological applications of SAMs that cover many fields of the emerging area of nanotechnology. Sulfur (S) is closely related to alkanethiols and can be used to understand basic aspects of the surface structure of SAMs. In this review we focus on the atomic/molecular structures of S-containing SAMs on Au(111). Particular emphasis is given to the substrate, adsorption sites, chemical state of the S–metal bond and also to the experimental and theoretical tools used to study these structures at the atomic or molecular levels.

Thiolate adsorption on Au(${\bm {hkl}}$hkl) and equilibrium shape of large thiolate-covered gold nanoparticles

“…During the past two decades, the formation and structure of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiol molecules adsorbed at noble materials' surfaces has attracted great interest. 1 Especially gold nanoparticles have been used in a variety of applications in biology, catalysis, and nanotechnology. 2 The interface between alkanethiols and gold is, therefore, a subject of great importance for both basic and applied research.…”

Surface-Bound Proteins with Preserved Functionality

“…40,52,58 Utilizing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkylthiols on gold surfaces for engineering of bioactive interfaces has gained significant popularity due to the simplicity of the used chemistry 45,74 and to the availability of high-resolution structural information for such SAMs. 80 Furthermore, engineering of bioactive interfaces over thin metal films has been a driving force for the development of biosensing applications based on surface plasmon resonance techniques. 50,66,86,87 Surface engineering based on thiol chemistry on coinage metals, however, presents certain limitations.…”

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