Intermixed terpyridine-functionalized monolayers on gold: nonlinear relationship between terpyridyl density and metal ion coordination properties

Aiming at the functionalization of surfaces with terpyridine anchors for the coordinative deposition of additional layers, mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were prepared from binary solutions of 12-(2,2':6',2″-terpyridine-4'-yl)dodecane-1-thiol (TDT) and 1-decanethiol (DT). The SAMs and the order of the constituting molecules were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), and time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The composition of the (TDT/DT)-SAMs and with it the surface density of terpyridyl groups correlates linearly with the relative concentrations of the two compounds in the solution used for depositing them. In marked contrast, the amount of terpyridine-coordinated Pd(II) ions significantly deviates from this trend with an optimum at a 1:3 ratio of TDT/DT. This indicates a major fraction of the terpyridines in TDT-rich SAMs not to be accessible for Pd(II) ion coordination. In agreement, NEXAFS spectroscopy reveals the alkyl backbones in TDT-rich SAMs not to be ordered, while they are preferentially upright oriented in the optimal 1:3-(TDT/DT)-SAMs. We interpret this in terms of terpyridine backfolding in TDT-rich SAMs, while they are located in accessible positions on top of the SAM in the 1:3-(TDT/DT)-SAM. While the alkyl backbones in the 1:3-(TDT/DT)-SAM are ordered, NEXAFS spectroscopy shows the terpyridyl groups not to have a preferential orientation in this SAM and thus retain enough flexibility to adjust to molecules that are deposited on top of the mixed SAM. In conclusion, the novel SAM does not undergo phase separation and consists predominantly of intermixed phases with adjustable surface density of quite flexible terpyridine anchor groups. The terpyridine-Pd(II) anchors are not only available for a future deposition of the next layer, but the metal ions also represent a sensitive probe for the accessibility of the terpyridyl groups.