Morphology properties of self-assembled dendrimer on Au(1 1 1) using tapping mode atomic force microscopy

We synthesized the third generation (G3) of carbosilane dendrimer which has 16 terpyridine-Pt-pyridine (G3-16[Tpy-Pt-Py]) functional end groups. By controlling the dendritic concentration, modified surfaces ranging from dispersed individual molecules to film were obtained. Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate their morphological properties. In the case of lower concentration, isolated dendrimers were observed and found that they were substantially more oblate than expected from their molecular structures simulated and spherical shapes in solution. erage diameter and height of dendrimers were measured with 15.6 and 1.2 nm, respectively. In that of higher concentration, dendrimers form a near-monolayer film.