An Improved Method for the Assembly of Amino-Terminated Monolayers on SiO₂ and the Vapor Deposition of Gold Layers

Abstract

Amino-terminated self-assembled monolayers on SiO2 surfaces were obtained by means of a simple silylation method. The thickness of the monolayers was measured with ellipsometry. Washing tests with strong solvents indicated that the amino-silane is covalently bonded to the silica surface. Amino-terminated monolayers on SiO2 surfaces are very flat and homogeneous, as shown by atomic force microscopy. Contact angle measurements showed that such monolayers interact very quickly with air impurities and should be used just after the silylation. The adhesion between the amino-terminated surface and gold was evidenced by ultrasonic and tape tests.