Potential dependence of the kinetics of thiol self-organization on Au(111)

The self-assembly of thiol molecules from ethanolic solution on Au(111) depends significantly on the electrode potential. Especially at cathodic potentials, chemisorption of thiol molecules and the development of the highly ordered structure are slowed down significantly. At potentials near the point of zero charge, first a disordered thiol film of already high thiol density is formed, and then domains of the highly ordered phase develop and grow together. At cathodic potentials, first a disordered film of very low density of predominant flat adsorbed thiol molecules is formed; the formation of ordered domains takes time three orders of magnitude longer than at potentials near the point of zero charge.