We are investigating the process of self-assembly in silane monolayers. We are interested in studies using SAMs containing molecules of different chain lengths. The longer chain molecules will eventually carry functional groups that will act as chemical tethers for a polymer or protein overlayer. We want to have a uniform distribution of long chain molecules in the mixed layer to give the most uniform properties of the surface. As seen in the figure above, longer chain molecules can form islands instead of a uniform layer in SAMs with silane molecules having different chain lengths.
Studies are ongoing to determine the factors that lead to such island formation.