Spontaneously organized molecular assemblies; I. Formation, dynamics, and physical properties of n-alkanoic acids adsorbed from solution on an oxidized aluminum surface.

This study shows that closest packed, oriented monolayers of n-alkanoic acids can be formed on oxidized aluminum substrates by adsorption from dilute solution. The formation of these organic surface phases is characterized by complicated kinetics in which surface and/or monolayer defects, as well as impurities, seemingly play important roles. The influences of experimental variables on the formation of oriented monolayers is discussed.