Spontaneously Organized Molecular Assemblies. 1. Formation, Dynamics, and Physical Properties of n-Alkanoic Acids Adsorbed from Solution on an Oxidized Aluminum Surface

This study shows that closest packed, oriented monolayers of n-alkanoic acids can be formed on oxidized aluminum substrates by adsorption from dilute solution. The formation of these organic surface phases is characterized by complicated kinetics in which surface and/or monolayer defects, as well as impurities, seemingly play important roles. The structures so obtained are dynamic in nature in that they undergo rapid exchange with ligands in solution. The data further suggest an important limitation to self-assembly in this system which is directly related to the length of the n-alkanoic acid tail. The influences of experimental variables on the formation of oriented monolayers is discussed.