Reconstruction-Dependent Self-Assembly of n-Alkanes on Au(111) Surfaces

Abstract

Self-assemblies of n-hexadecane and n-hexatricontane on the Au(111) surfaces in their neat liquid or solution have been studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Ordered monolayers are observed on the reconstructed Au(111) surfaces, while no overlayer could be observed on the unreconstructed surface at room temperature. The reconstructed surface is found to be perfect for the n-alkanes to self-assemble on it, because the alkane monolayer geometrically matches well to the reconstructed surface. The reconstruction stabilizes the self-assembled monolayer on the Au(111) surface, which facilitates the observation of STM.