Substrate-Mediated Intermolecular Interactions:  A Quantitative Single Molecule Analysis

Long-range intermolecular interactions mediated by the surface are believed to be responsible for many effects in surface science, including molecular ordering, formation of nanostructures, and aligning reactive intermediates in catalysis. Here, we use scanning tunneling microscopy to probe the weak...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Chemical Society 2005-05, Vol.127 (19), p.7255-7260
Main Authors: Sykes, E. Charles H, Mantooth, Brent A, Han, Patrick, Donhauser, Zachary J, Weiss, Paul S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adsorption and desorption kinetics
evaporation and condensation
Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties
Exact sciences and technology
Physics
Solid-fluid interfaces
Surfaces and interfaces
thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties)
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Summary:Long-range intermolecular interactions mediated by the surface are believed to be responsible for many effects in surface science, including molecular ordering, formation of nanostructures, and aligning reactive intermediates in catalysis. Here, we use scanning tunneling microscopy to probe the weak substrate-mediated interactions in benzene overlayers on Au{111} at 4 K. Using an automated procedure to monitor single molecule motion, we are able to quantify the substrate-mediated interaction strength. We explain quantitatively both the kinetics of the benzene motion and the thermodynamics that determine the packing structures benzene adopts in this system in light of these substrate-mediated interactions.
ISSN:0002-7863
1520-5126
DOI:10.1021/ja0472331