Dissociation of surface functional groups and preferential adsorption of ions on self-assembled monolayers assessed by streaming potential and streaming current measurements

The interfacial charge formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiol derivatives on gold was investigated by streaming potential and streaming current measurements in aqueous electrolyte solutions. All experiments were performed at a slit channel formed by two parallel sample plates. For the first time, zeta potentials of planar SAM-solution interfaces were determined experimentally. Surface pK values were calculated from the pH dependence of the zeta potential. Monolayers carrying omega -carboxylic moieties show a shift of the pK toward the alkaline direction as compared to the carboxy-terminated alkanethiol molecules in solution. Contact angle titrations using a captive bubble method confirmed the dissociation behavior of monolayers with acidic groups. Monolayers of methyl-terminated thiols exhibit zeta potential-pH plots that account for unsymmetrical ion adsorption. Models of the electric double layer are discussed to describe the interface between self-assembled monolayers and electrolyte solutions. Two contrary situations were found depending on the process which generates surface charges. For methyl-functionalized SAMs, the main part of the surface charge is compensated within the diffuse double layer. In contrast, at monolayer surfaces bearing carboxylic acid groups, the main part of the countercharge was found to be located in the stagnant part of the double layer.