Evidence for perpendicular n-alkane orientation at the liquid/graphite interface

Abstract

An STM study of the adsorption of n-hexatriacontane on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite has revealed evidence for a new surface structure. The geometry of this structure indicates that it is composed of an overlayer of n-alkane chains which are rotated by 90° relative to the underlying n-alkane lamellae. A simple argument based on symmetry suggests that the carbon backbone plane of the underlying lamellar assembly is oriented perpendicular to the graphite basal plane. Show more