Role of Lateral Alkyl Chains in Modulation of Molecular Structures on Metal Surfaces

D. X. Shi, W. Ji, X. Lin, X. B. He, J. C. Lian, L. Gao, J. M. Cai, H. Lin, S. X. Du, F. Lin, C. Seidel, L. F. Chi, W. A. Hofer, H. Fuchs, and H.-J. Gao
Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 226101 – Published 5 June 2006
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Abstract

We use low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, first-principles density-functional theory, and molecular mechanics calculations to analyze the adsorption and growth of quinacridone derivatives (QA) with alkyl chains of 4 and 16 carbon atoms on a Ag(110) substrate. Surprisingly, we find that the alkyl chains determine the orientation of the molecular overlayers. While the interaction of QA and the Ag substrate is primarily due to chemical bonding of oxygen to the silver substrate, determining the molecular orientation and preferred adsorption site, the intermolecular arrangement can be adjusted via the length of alkyl chains. We are thus able to fabricate uniform QA films with very well controlled physical properties.

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  • Received 17 February 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.226101

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

D. X. Shi1,2, W. Ji1, X. Lin1, X. B. He1, J. C. Lian1, L. Gao1, J. M. Cai1, H. Lin3, S. X. Du1, F. Lin2, C. Seidel2, L. F. Chi2, W. A. Hofer3, H. Fuchs2, and H.-J. Gao1,*

  • 1Beijing National Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Post Office Box 603, Beijing 100080, China
  • 2Physikalisches Institut, Universität Münster, Wilhelm-Klemm-straße 10, D-48149 Münster, Germany
  • 3Surface Science Research Centre, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, Britain, United Kingdom

  • *Electronic address: hjgao@aphy.iphy.ac.cn

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Issue

Vol. 96, Iss. 22 — 9 June 2006

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