Growth and characterization of poly(arylamine) thin films prepared by vapor deposition

Thin films of new organic redox-active arylamine dendrimers have been exami ned. The thermal properties of the bulk samples have been measured by diffe rential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. In general, th ese compounds exhibit amorphous phases with glass transition temperatures n ear 100 degrees C and are thermally stable up to 400 degrees C. Thin films (1-100 nm) of these large (1300-2200 amu) molecules were prepared by vapor deposition onto Au and Si(100) surfaces. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysi s of redissolved films proved that vapor deposition occurs without molecula r decomposition. Ex situ surface characterization was performed by reflecti on-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spec troscopic ellipsometry, and atomic-force microscopy to document the chemica l integrity and morphology of the films. The analyses show that the vapor d eposition produces molecularly smooth dendrimer films at high surface cover ages, while at low surface coverage, film growth and morphology depend grea tly on the chemical nature of the surface. (C) 2000 American Vacuum Society . [S0734-2101(00)05004-1].