Journal Article

PreJuSER-10311

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Tuning intermolecular interaction in long-range-ordered submonolayer organic films

Stadler, C. ; Hansen, S. ; Kröger, I.FZJ* ; Umbach, E. ; Kumpf, C.FZJ*

2009
Nature Publishing Group Basingstoke

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/nphys1176

Abstract: The future success of organic electronic devices strongly depends on the ability to tailor the properties of thin films and interfaces. This calls for well-ordered thin films. However, their properties are dominantly influenced by the formation of the first molecular layer representing a template for further growth. The development of the first layer-in turn-depends on the fine balance of molecule-substrate and molecule-molecule interaction. The latter is usually attractive owing to van der Waals forces and causes the formation of islands and small crystalline grains. Here, we report on organic adsorbates exhibiting a repulsive intermolecular interaction. With increasing coverage, Sn-phthalocyanine molecules continuously rearrange on Ag(111) in a series of ordered superstructures. They always fill the surface terraces homogeneously and maximize the domain size. Thicker films also exhibit extremely large, monocrystalline grains and potentially enable bulk-like properties for thin films. The intermolecular interaction can be tuned by cooling and becomes attractive below similar to 120 K.

Keyword(s): J

Note: We thank F. Pollinger and the ESRF staff ( T.- L. Lee, J. Zegenhagen) for their help during the XSW experiments. Financial support by the BMBF, the DFG and the ESRF is acknowledged.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Grenz- und Oberflächen (IBN-3)
2. Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance - Fundamentals of Future Information Technology (JARA-FIT)

Research Program(s):

1. Kondensierte Materie (P54)

Appears in the scientific report 2009

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