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Characterization of Self-Assembled Monolayers of Oligo(phenyleneethynylene) Derivatives on Gold

Oligo(phenyleneethynylene) (OPE) molecules are a class of fully conjugated aromatic molecules, that attract attention for their application as “molecular wires” in molecular electronic devices. In this thesis work, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed from a variety of OPE derivatives have been studied. The chemical properties, structure, and packing density of the SAMs have been characterized utilizing techniques such as high-resolution X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HRXPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), contact angle measurements, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In a first study, three OPE-derivatives, with benzene, naphthalene and anthracene, respectively, inserted into the backbone, and an acetyl-protected thiophenol binding group were found to form SAMs on Au(111) substrates with lower molecular surface densities and larger molecular inclination as the lateral π-system increases. In a second study, porphyrin was introduced as the end group to a wire-like molecule such as OPE. The purpose was to obtain well-organized and functionalized surfaces with optical and redox properties. Three porphyrin-functionalized OPEs had different binding groups, an acetyl-protected thiophenol, a benzylic thiol, and a trimethylsilylethynylene group, and were found to form SAMs on gold surfaces with difference in structure and degree of order. The molecules with the acetyl-protected thiophenol binding group were found to form a high quality SAM compared to the other two. This SAM exhibits a well-ordered and densely packed layer. This study gives rise to a better understanding of SAM formation of OPE derivatives, and will form a base for further investigations of charge transport properties of these molecular films, which is of interest for applications in molecular electronic devices.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:kau-800
Date January 2007
CreatorsWatcharinyanon, Somsakul
PublisherKarlstads universitet, Fakulteten för teknik- och naturvetenskap, Institutionen för natur och miljö
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeLicentiate thesis, comprehensive summary, info:eu-repo/semantics/masterThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
RelationKarlstad University Studies, 1403-8099 ; 2007:18

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