Structure and orientation of organic molecules on metal surfaces

Abstract

Abstract Knowledge of the structure and orientation of organic molecules on solid surfaces is of fundamental relevance in many diverse areas of the physical sciences, ranging from heterogeneous catalysis to tribology and polymer interface science. For example, in catalysis the local orientation of a molecule on a metal surface is of decisive importance for determining the subsequent reaction paths, or in the science of composite materials the adhesion between organic layers and inorganic substrate surfaces is a direct consequence of the local chemical bonding between organic functional groups and substrate atoms at the interface.