Self-assembly of one-dimensional molecular and atomic chains using stripedalkanethiol structures as templates

Well-ordered striped structures are developed from alkanethiol self-assembl ed monolayers on an Au(111) surface following well-controlled annealing pro cesses. We demonstrate here that such regular concave-convex molecular stru ctures can be used as the templates for growing one-dimensional molecular a nd atomic chains. By depositing C-60 molecules onto the striped surface, C- 60 bimolecular chains are self-assembled. Due to the breaking of C-S bonds under certain conditions, residual S atoms can form a S monoatomic chain be tween two adjacent stripe pairs of thoroughly lying-down molecules. Possibl e growth mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.