On the interpretation of multiple waves in cyclic voltammograms of self-assembled monolayers of n-alkane thiols on gold

Ian Thom, Manfred Buck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A homologue series of n-alkane thiols (CH3(CH2)(m)SH, MCm, m between 8 and 22) adsorbed on Au/mica substrates was studied in an alkaline environment using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and second harmonic generation (SHG). The known split of the reductive desorption signal in the cyclic voltammogram for thiols with chain length of m > 12 disappears again for m = 22. Simultaneous recording of SHG and CV data allowed correlation of thiol coverage with charge which was found to be linear, irrespective of the shape of the desorption signal. This evidences that the double peak structure of the desorption signal does not arise from the separation of faradaic and capacitive processes. The same is found for the double wave of the readsorption signal. The transient appearance of a split desorption signal for the one electron process of thiol desorption in the range of 12 < m < 22 is suggested to originate from intermolecular interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)739-754
Number of pages16
Journal Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie
Volume222
Issue number5-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Keywords

  • electrochemistry
  • second harmonic generation
  • self assembled monolayers
  • thiols
  • reductive desorption
  • BIPHENYL BASED THIOLS
  • SCANNING-TUNNELING-MICROSCOPY
  • REDUCTIVE DESORPTION PROCESS
  • QUARTZ-CRYSTAL MICROBALANCE
  • 2ND-HARMONIC GENERATION
  • ELECTROCHEMICAL DESORPTION
  • SELECTIVE DESORPTION
  • ELECTRODE SURFACES
  • IN-SITU
  • POLYCRYSTALLINE GOLD

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'On the interpretation of multiple waves in cyclic voltammograms of self-assembled monolayers of n-alkane thiols on gold'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this