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Azobenzene-containing monolayer with photoswitchable wettability
N Delorme1, J-F Bardeau, A Bulou
1Laboratoire de Physique de l'Etat Condensé (CNRS, UMR 6087) and Laboratoire Polymères, Colloïdes et Interfaces (CNRS, UMR 6120), Université du Maine, Avenue O. Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans Cedex 09, France.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|December 14, 2005
Summary
Researchers created a compact azobenzene monolayer on silicon. This film
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are crucial for surface modification.
- Azobenzene derivatives are known for their photoresponsive properties.
- Controlling surface wettability is important for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact azobenzene monolayer on silicon substrates.
- To investigate the photoswitching of surface wettability.
- To characterize the structure and properties of the functionalized SAM.
Main Methods:
- Covalent grafting of azobenzene moieties onto isocyanate-functionalized SAMs.
- Contact angle measurements (water and olive oil).
- X-ray reflectivity (XR) for structural characterization.
Main Results:
- A highly packed and ordered azobenzene monolayer was successfully prepared.
- The film exhibited photoswitchable wettability upon UV-Vis irradiation.
- Reversible cis-trans isomerization of azobenzene induced changes in surface properties.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a viable method for creating photoresponsive azobenzene monolayers on silicon.
- The developed SAM allows for external control of surface wettability via light.
- This platform holds potential for applications in smart surfaces and responsive materials.