Characterization of 11-MUA SAM formation on gold surfaces

Self assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) were investigated by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). SAMs were prepared in solution, using Au(111)/mica and recrystallized gold foils as substrates. Different binding energies of the S2p peak measured by XPS as well as different thermal desorption behavior indicate the influence of the substrate on the SAM formation. The stability of the SAM under ambient conditions was investigated in order to determine long term effects, showing rearrangements as well as depletion of the 11-MUA layer.