Dipole-directed assembly of lines of 1,5-dichloropentane on silicon substrates by displacement of surface charge.
One-dimensional nanostructures at silicon surfaces have potential applications in nanoscale devices. Here we propose a mechanism of dipole-directed assembly for the growth of lines of physisorbed dipolar molecules. The adsorbate chosen was a halide, in preparation for the patterned imprinting of halogen atoms. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy, physisorbed 1,5-dichloropentane on Si(100)-2x1 was shown to self-assemble at room temperature into molecular lines that grew predominantly perpendicular to the Si-dimer rows. Line formation was triggered by the displacement of surface charge by the dipolar adsorbate. Experimental and simulated scanning tunnelling microscopy images were in agreement for a range of positive and negative bias voltages. The geometry of the physisorbed molecules and nature of their binding were evident from the scanning tunnelling microscopy images, as interpreted by scanning tunnelling microscopy simulation.
Harikumar
K R
KR
Department of Chemistry and Institute of Optical Sciences, University of Toronto, 80 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
Lim
Tingbin
T
McNab
Iain R
IR
Polanyi
John C
JC
Zotti
Linda
L
Ayissi
Serge
S
Hofer
Werner A
WA
D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D010420:Pentanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry*; D055672:Static Electricity; D013499:Surface Properties
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010420:Pentanes; D012825:Silicon