Electrocrystallization of an Ordered Organic Monolayer: Selective Epitaxial Growth of Beta-(ET) (2)I(3) on Graphite.
Abstract
We report electrochemical and in situ atomic force microscopy observations of the formation of a new class of crystalline organic monolayer, which consists of a conductive organic salt containing bis(ethylenedithiolo)-tetrathiafulvalene (ET), on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). Growth of this monolayer accompanies the electrochemical oxidation of ET in the presence of the I3 (iodine 3) anion at a freshly cleaved HOPG electrode. The monolayer covers large areas of the graphite substrate (> 100 square micrometers) and can be removed at potentials cathodic of the ET/ET+ couple. High resolution AFM imaging of the monolayer and a 15.5 A monolayer thickness are consistent with the formation of a single (001) layer of beta-(ET)2I3, with the long axes of the ET molecules oriented nearly perpendicular to the graphite basal plane. The preferential formation of beta(ET)2l3 over other polymorphs is a consequence of favorable epitaxial interactions between the overlayer lattice and that of the graphite substrate, and is manifest in selective growth of bulk beta(ET)2l3 crystals on this electrode surface. These results demonstrate that controlled deposition of conducting mono- and multilayer films can be achieved in the presence of strong interfacial interactions during nucleation, suggesting a route to the fabrication of electronic devices based upon molecular design principles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 08, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA288942
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Jeffrey B. Maxson
- Michael D. Ward
Organizations
- University of Minnesota