Morphology control in self-assembled monolayers written by dip pen nanolithography.
Here, we describe the effect of writing speed in dip pen nanolithography on the morphology (height and density) of self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold surfaces. The analysis of atomic force microscopy images of written monolayers shows that molecules assemble according to a nucleation and growth mechanism. Slow writing speeds lead to dense monolayers that can be used either to direct the self-assembly of metal nanoparticles or as masks for selective etching of conductive gold nanowires.
Robert J
RJ
Barsotti
Matthew S
MS
O'Connell
Francesco
F
Stellacci
D000473:Alkanes; D006046:Gold; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D036103:Nanotechnology; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds
D000473:Alkanes; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D006046:Gold