Real time scanning force microscopy observation of a structural phase transition in self-assembled alkanethiols.
We present here a new approach based on high resolution scanning force microscopy that permits molecular determination and frictional discrimination between coexisting molecular configurations of alkanethiols on Au(111). The method has allowed visualizing in real time a phase transition between two differently ordered self-assembled configurations, which spontaneously takes place with time at constant coverage and under ambient conditions. Frictional force measurements indicate that the molecular rearrangement observed occurs via an order-disorder-order process.
Munuera
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Departamento de Intercaras y Crecimiento, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Ocal
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D000473:Alkanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D002627:Chemistry, Physical / Q000379:methods*; D050866:Liquid Crystals; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D044367:Phase Transition; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D044366:Transition Temperature
D000473:Alkanes; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds