Layer-by-Layer Synthesis of Self-assembled Organic Multilayers Using Molecular Layer Deposition

Abstract

Self-assembled organic multilayers were fabricated by a new growth technique that can control thickness with nanometer level. This method is based on molecular layer deposition of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in gas phase. The alkene terminated alkysiloxane self-assembled monolayer was formed by exposing a substrate to C=C terminated alkyltrichlorosilane and water vapor in ALD chamber. The terminal vinyl groups were converted to carboxylic groups with ozone treatment. The highly active titanium hydroxyl linker layer was formed on the carboxylic terminated SAMs by using titanium isoproxide adsorption followed by exchange reaction of water molecule in order to provide highly active adsorption sites for the anchoring of the next monolayer. The organic multilayers exhibit a good thermal and mechanical stability, and a reversible hysteretic behavior which will be a potential material for nonvolatile memory application.