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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
A Technique to Functionalize and Self-assemble Macroscopic Nanoparticle-ligand Monolayer Films onto Template-free Substrates
Published on: May 9, 2014
Ferrocenylalkylthiolate labeling of defects in alkylthiol self-assembled monolayers on gold
Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee1, R Bruce Lennox
1Department of Chemistry and the FQRNT Centre for Self-Assembled Chemical Structures, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
Coverage defects in alkylthiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are critically important to function related to electron transfer from soluble redox probes. There is therefore a need for an accurate and direct measurement of the number and type of coverage defect in a range of SAMs. Ferrocenyldodecanethiol (FcC(12)SH) has been assessed as an electrochemically-addressable label of coverage defects. It is shown that short time exposure of a SAM to FcC(12)SH leads to a quantifiable Fc coverage (Gamma(Fc)), with Gamma(Fc) < 1% readily measurable. The voltammetric signature of FcC(12)SH label is also able to differentiate types of defect in a given SAM. A number of SAM preparation conditions are assessed for the density and type of coverage defect. This labeling method therefore will be a useful tool for research into SAM property-function relationships.
