<i>n</i>-Alkane Monolayer on a Au(111) Template for Metal Growth<i></i>

Abstract

The growth of gold on top of a n-alkane monolayer, which consists of lamellar assemblies with close-packed flat-lying chains, is observed by using scanning tunneling microscopy. The n-alkane monolayer sustains gold atoms, and penetration of the atoms into the monolayer is inhibited. The molecular conformation is unaffected and the arrangement is only slightly changed upon deposition of the gold atoms. Two-dimensional clusters are grown and a smooth monolayer is finally obtained.

Anisotropic Growth of Palladium Induced by an n-Alkane Template on Au(111)

“…For growth on an n-alkane monolayer, the anisotropic growth of Pd is in striking contrast with the isotropic growth of Au. 12 Au clusters on an n-C 36 H 74 monolayer are grown with isotropic shape, and some clusters are centered at the lamellar boundary in the initial stage. The results indicate that Au growth is almost unaffected by the molecular arrangement.…”

“…A 101 × 101 triangular lattice was constructed on the n-C 36 H 74 monolayer with a lattice parameter of 0.275 nm, which corresponds to the Pd−Pd interatomic distance in the bulk metal. The adsorption potential, E ad , for each site was calculated by the 12−6 Lennard-Jones potentials term (4ε[(σ/r) 12 − [(σ/ r) 6 ]) between a Pd atom and the n-C 36 H 74 molecules. The parameters for a Pd−C and Pd−H pair were ε = 0.033 and 0.0235 eV and σ = 0.327 and 0.237 nm, respectively.…”

“…This growth mode is related to the growth of Au. 12 In contrast, Pd atoms are trapped separately in the site having a potential of −1.0 eV, and the atoms hardly diffuse on the surface to form clusters (Figure 5b). Both models cannot explain the experimentally observed anisotropic cluster growth.…”

“…In fact, Au 2D clusters were observed to form on an n-alkane monolayer on a Au(111) surface. 12 These 2D gold clusters exhibit a peculiar electronic structure. 12 However, the morphology of the Au clusters is not controlled, and only isotropic growth is observed.…”

“…12 These 2D gold clusters exhibit a peculiar electronic structure. 12 However, the morphology of the Au clusters is not controlled, and only isotropic growth is observed. This is because of the weak interaction between Au and the nalkane molecules.…”