Chemical deposition of silver nanoclusters on self-assembled organic monolayers. A strategy to contact individual molecules

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold(111) surfaces were prepared consisting of a matrix of n-dodecane thiol and a mercaptan as a host which is terminated by a four-electron reducing agent. Upon treatment with ammoniated silver nitrate solutions silver nanoclusters are generated on the SAM surface. Physical development allows enlargement of the clusters.