Patterning Self-Assembled Monolayers on Gold. Green Materials Chemistry in the Teaching Laboratory

Convenient laboratory exercises that demonstrate self-assembled monolayer (SAM) chemistry and organic thin-film patterning as examples of the applications of organic chemistry in materials chemistry and nanoscience are described. Students explore the properties of alkanethiol monolayers assembled on easily prepared, readily available, and inexpensive gold films on vinyl. Microcontact printing and ozone patterning are presented as two means of patterning monolayer films. The technological applications of these patterning methods in micro- and nanoelectronics are discussed. Students visualize these patterns by observing how water vapor condenses on patterns composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. In addition to illustrating materials chemistry concepts, this laboratory exercise introduces a number of important green chemistry concepts. Specifically, the advantages of self-assembly methods and the benefits of using a monolayer in place of a thicker polymer film are described to show how green chemistry can be applied to the chemistry of materials.