Fabrication via electrochemical oxidation of self-assembled monolayers and site-selective derivatization of surface templates

Patterned monolayers of n-octadecyltrichlorosilane have been used as templates for site-selective derivatization using Fe nanoparticles (see picture). The templates are fabricated by an electrochemical oxidation process that is mediated by a bias voltage applied with a conductive SFM tip. The surface terminal CH3 groups of the monolayer are locally converted into COOH groups under and in close vicinity of the tip