Using a representative model system, we describe here electronic and structural properties of aromatic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that contain an embedded, dipolar group. As polar unit we use pyrimidine, varying its orientation in the molecular backbone and, consequently, the direction of the embedded dipole moment. The electronic and structural properties of these embedded-dipole SAMs are thoroughly analyzed using a number of complementary characterization techniques combined with quantum-mechanical modeling.We show that such mid-chain substituted monolayers are highly interesting from both fundamental and application viewpoints, as the dipolar groups are found to induce a potential discontinuity inside the monolayer, electrostatically shifting the energy levels in the regions above and below the dipoles relative to one another. These SAMs also allow for tuning the substrate work function in a controlled manner independent of the docking chemistry and, most importantly, without modifying the SAM-ambient interface.

Selenolate is considered as an alternative to thiolate to serve as a headgroup mediating the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on coinage metal substrates. There are, however, ongoing vivid discussions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of these anchor groups, regarding, in particular, the energetics of the headgroup-substrate interface and their efficiency in terms of charge transport/transfer. Here we introduce a well-defined model system of 6-cyanonaphthalene-2-thiolate and -selenolate SAMs on Au(111) to resolve these controversies. The exact structural arrangements in both types of SAMs are somewhat different, suggesting a better SAM-building ability in the case of selenolates. At the same time, both types of SAMs have similar packing densities and molecular orientations. This permitted reliable competitive exchange and ion-beam-induced desorption experiments which provided unequivocal evidence for a stronger bonding of selenolates to the substrate as compared to the thiolates. Regardless of this difference, the dynamic charge transfer properties of the thiolate- and selenolate-based adsorbates were found to be nearly identical, as determined by the core-hole-clock approach, which is explained by a redistribution of electron density along the molecular framework, compensating the difference in the substrate-headgroup bond strength.

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Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are frequently used for interfacial dipole engineering in organic electronics and photovoltaics. This is mostly done by the attachment of dipolar tail groups onto the molecular backbone of the SAM precursors. The alternative concept of embedded dipoles involves the incorporation of polar group(s) into the backbone. This allows one to decouple the tuning of the electrostatic properties of the SAM from the chemical identity of the SAM−ambient interface. Here we present design and synthesis of particularly promising SAM precursors utilizing this concept. These precursors feature the thiol-docking group and a short heteroaromatic backbone, consisting of a nonpolar phenyl ring and a polar pyrimidine group, embedded in two opposite orientations. Packing density, molecular orientation, structure, and wetting properties of the SAMs on Au substrates are found to be nearly independent of their chemical structure, as shown by a variety of complementary experimental techniques. A further important property of the studied SAMs is their good electrical conductivity, enabling their application as electrode modifiers for low-contact resistances in organic electronic devices. Of particular interest are also the electronic properties of the SAMs, which were monitored by Kelvin probe and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. To obtain a fundamental understanding of these properties at an atomistic level, the experiments were combined with state-of-the-art band structure calculations. These not only confirm the structural properties of the films but also explain how the C 1s core-level binding energies of the various atoms are controlled by their chemical environments in conjunction with the local distribution of the electrostatic potential within the monolayer.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) fabricated on Au(111) substrates from a homologous series of pyridine-terminated organothiols have been investigated using ultra high vacuum infrared reflection adsorption spectroscopy (UHV-IRRAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. A total of 4 different pyridine-based organothiols have been investigated, consisting of a pyridine unit, one or two phenyl units, a spacer of between one and three methylene units and, finally, a thiol unit. For all pyridine-terminated thiols the immersion of Au-substrates in the corresponding ethanolic solutions was found to result in the formation of highly ordered and densely packed SAMs. For an even number of the methylene spacers between the SH group and the aromatic moieties, the SAM unit-cell is rather large, (5sq.rt(3) x 3)rect, whereas in case of an odd number of methylene units a smaller unit cell is adopted, (2sq.rt(3) x sq.rt(3))R30 degrees. The tilt angle of the molecules amounts to 15 degrees . In contrast to expectation, the pyridine-terminated organic surfaces exposed by the corresponding SAMs showed a surprisingly strong resistance with regard to protonation.