Work

Quantitative Characterization of Organosilane Monolayers by Oxidative Dissociation of Monolayer Molecules

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Self-assembled organosilane monolayers on silica surfaces find many applications; however, their structural characterization is challenging. We found that organic molecules in these monolayers can be dissociated from the surface by cleaving C-Si bonds under mild conditions of Fleming-Tamao oxidation. Once removed from the surface, the monolayer molecules could be isolated, purified, and analyzed in solution using conventional analytical techniques including NMR and GC-MS. This method enables efficient cleavage of different organic molecules attached to silica supports (e.g., in mixed monolayers) and is tolerant to a wide range of functional groups. Organic monolayers can be dissociated from a range of silica substrates, including silica nanoparticles, silica gel, flat glass slides, and related inorganic oxides, such as alumina or titania.

Source: Analytical Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c06937

Authors: Naeem Iqbal, Amy Wolstenholme-Hogg, James R. Gompels, Victor Chechik

Institution: University of York

Language: English

Topic: Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: H2020 Future and Emerging Technologies