Surface resistance investigations of the exchange of 3D monolayers with molecules self-assembled on planar gold surfaces

Simple four probe resistance measurements have been used to study the ligan d exchange between monolayer protected clusters of Au and Ag with dithiol m onolayers on planar gold surfaces. The decrease in in-plane resistance upon exposure of functionalized dithiol monolayer covered gold surfaces to mono layer protected cluster solutions is attributed to the attachment of free t hiol groups of the monolayers on the gold surfaces to the clusters. This li nking of clusters to monolayers results in screening of electron-adsorbate vibration interaction causing a decrease in resistance. There can also be a dditional factors determining the observed changes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.