Attachment chemistry of organic molecules on Si(111)-7 x 7.

Molecular attachment chemistry is emerging as an important approach to tailor the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of silicon surfaces, as well as to incorporate organic functions into silicon-based devices for various technological needs. The chemical bonding and reactivity of various organic molecules on Si(111)-7 x 7 were systematically studied using XPS, HREELS, TPD, UPS, STM, and DFT calculations. The spatial arrangements and unique electronic properties of reactive adatoms and rest atoms on the surface offer rich attachment chemistry for organic functionalities. Investigations demonstrated that organic molecules can be chemically bound to Si(111)-7 x 7 through several reaction pathways, including [4 + 2]- and [2 + 2]-like additions, dative bonding, and dissociative reaction. This Account reviews the recent progress and current understanding of reactivity, selectivity, and mechanisms of organic molecules on Si(111)-7 x 7.