Interfaces between conjugated organic molecules and metal surfaces: Correlating adsorption-induced distotion, electronic structure, and interface dipole

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Norbert Koch; Professor Dr. Frank Schreiber
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2009 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 108994555

We propose to undertake a comprehensive study of conjugated organic adsorbates on metal substrates, focusing on the interplay between structural and electronic properties of the interface. Using complementary techniques, i.e., mainly photoelectron spectroscopy and the X-ray standing wave technique, our collaboration addresses fundamental issues of organic thin films. Specifically, the strength of the adsorbate-substrate interaction (‘physisorption vs. chemisorption’), the orientation of the molecules on the surface, their bonding distances, molecular distortions and distortion-induced molecular dipoles will be studied in detail, in connection with the electronic properties (interface dipole, charge injection barrier). This work is a significant contribution towards the understanding of physical and chemical phenomena at interfaces between conjugated organic molecules and metals, which is a prerequisite for developing and optimizing devices that employ organic thin films.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Persons: Dr. Alexander Gerlach; Professor Dr. Jürgen P. Rabe