Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:45
Monolayer Contact Doping of Silicon Surfaces and Nanowires Using Organophosphorus Compounds
Published on: December 2, 2013
Photochemical-controlled switching based on azobenzene monolayer modified silicon (111) surface
Yongqiang Wen1, Wenhui Yi, Lingjie Meng
1Organic Solids Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Azobenzene molecules were attached to silicon surfaces, exhibiting light-induced shape changes and altered conductivity. This creates photoswitchable azobenzene-functionalized silicon for electronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Azobenzene compounds are known for their photoresponsive properties.
- Functionalizing silicon surfaces is crucial for developing advanced electronic devices.
- Covalent attachment offers robust and stable surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To covalently attach azobenzene compounds onto Si(111) surfaces.
- To characterize the modified surfaces and their properties.
- To investigate the photoisomerization and conductivity changes of surface-bound azobenzene.
Main Methods:
- Two-step covalent attachment of azobenzene via Si-O linkages.
- Surface characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR).
- Photoisomerization studies under alternating UV and visible light exposure.
- Conductivity measurements of the modified Si(111) surfaces.
Main Results:
- Successful covalent attachment of azobenzene onto Si(111) surfaces.
- Monolayer surfaces demonstrated good chemical stability.
- Azobenzene molecules exhibited switchable photoisomerizability upon light exposure.
- Distinct differences in conductivity were observed between trans and cis azobenzene forms.
Conclusions:
- Azobenzene-functionalized Si(111) surfaces are chemically stable and photoswitchable.
- The trans and cis isomers of azobenzene on silicon show different electrical conductivity.
- This work demonstrates potential for azobenzene-modified silicon in photoswitchable electronic applications.
