L. A. Bumm, J. J. Arnold, T. D. Dunbar, D. L. Allara,* and P. S. Weiss,*
To be submitted.
Abstract
Two-dimensional mosaic structures with molecularly sharp and laterally epitaxial boundaries have been prepared using sequences of self-assembly with different length alkanethiols on Au{111}. Molecular resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to observe the molecular terraces and the boundaries between them. We demonstrate a simple, controlled processing technique of solvent exposure and re-assembly which dramatically decreases the defect density and gives us control of the placement of molecules within the films. The adsorbate molecules within structural domains are observed to be stable with respect to surface diffusion.