Self-Assembled Monolayer Formation: Competition Between Hydrogen Bonding Forces and van der Waals Forces

Abstract

As developments in technology continue, there is a growing need for certain characteristics of molecules. Molecules involved in self-assembled monolayers have the unique characteristic of spontaneous assembly that is highly sought after. The different formations that can exist in self-assembled monolayers are a result of the possibilities of intermolecular and interfacial interactions. Of particular interest is the intermolecular forces and their influence in governing self-assembly. This experiment focuses on the competition of hydrogen bonding forces and van der Waals forces in the formation of a selfassembled monolayer structure, especially at determining the transitional molecule between formations. Although the experiment is ultimately unsuccessful in forming a self-assembled monolayer, the instrument of imaging is improved. The scanning tunneling microscope is accessorized with a noise isolating box to protect the tip used during the scanning tunneling microscope for optimal imaging conditions. From the collected data, there is slight speculation that the image of the 5-octyloxyisophthalamide exists as a honeycomb structure, indicating hydrogen bonding forces dominating the structure’s formation.