Atomic-level elucidation of the initial stages of self-assembled monolayer metallization and nanoparticle formation

The development of high-performance molecular electronics and nanotech applications requires deep understanding of atomic level structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of electrode/molecular interfaces. Recent electrochemical experiments on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have identified highly practical means to generate nanoparticles and metal monolayers suspended above substrate surfaces through SAM metallizations. A rational basis why this process is even possible is not yet well-understood. To clarify the initial stages of interface formation during SAM metallization, we used first-principles spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study Pd diffusion on top of 4-mercaptopyridine (4MP) SAMs on Au(111). After distinguishing potential-energy surfaces (PESs) for different spin configurations for transition metal atoms on the SAM, we find adatom diffusion is not possible over the clean 4MP-SAM surface. Pre-adsorption of transition-metal atoms, however, facilitates atomic diffusion that appears to explain multiple reports on experimentally observed island and monolayer formation on top of SAMs. Furthermore, these diffusions most likely occur by moving across low-lying and intersecting PESs of different spin states, opening the possibility of magnetic control over these systems. Vertical diffusion processes were also investigated, and the electrolyte was found to play a key role in preventing metal permeation through the SAM to the substrate.