Reversible photoswitching of azobenzene-based monolayers physisorbed on a mica surface.
The formation of compact and large-scale self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) adsorbed on a mica surface has been achieved by insertion of alkyl chains on azobenzene derivatives, leading to strong intermolecular van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding. The reversible photoswitching of monolayers was investigated by monitoring the variation of the thickness of the SAMs during the cis-trans isomerization of the azobenzene cores with an atomic force microscope (AFM). The absence of covalent bonds between molecules and substrate induces a molecular diffusion which leads to the complete isomerization of the molecules constituting the SAMs.
El Garah
Mohamed
M
Institut FEMTO-ST, Université de Franche-Comté, CNRS, ENSMM, 32 Avenue de l'Observatoire, F-25044, Besancon cedex, France.
Palmino
Frank
F
Cherioux
Frederic
F
D000327:Adsorption; D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000737:chemistry*; D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010777:Photochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D001391:Azo Compounds; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; C009850:azobenzene; C011934:mica