A rigid molecular model for the assembly characteristics in molecular monolayers of alkanethiols on Au(111)

COLL 353

Niels G Jensen, Applied Science, Applied Science, UC Davis, Engineering III, Davis, CA 95616
We present a simple molecular model for the self-assembly of alkanethiols on gold. The model, a rigid rod representation of a molecule which is constrained to a given distance from the gold surface, allows direct long time simulations of large scale molecular ensembles (10,000-100,000 molecules) on desktop workstations. As a result, the model allows for efficient studies of evolution and ordering of, e.g., orientational order and domain patterns in full range of monolayer coverages. The model is parameterized entirely by existing literature on atomic and molecular scale interactions.

Extensive simulations of molecular self-assembled monolayer domain formation at optimal (packing commensurate with gold surface (111) structure)and sub-optimal packing are presented. The results show close correspondence between the model features and the existing, and emerging,picture observed through experimental characterization of self-assembled monolayers on Au(111).

 

Adamson Award Symposium Honoring Dave Allara and Ralph Nuzzo

Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry
The 225th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 23-27, 2003