Nanocomposites by electrostatic interactions: 1. Impact of sublayer quality on the organization of functionalized nanoparticles on charged self-assembled layers

Bis-benzamidines were studied as linkers for the formation of gold nanoparticle assemblies on planar gold surfaces modified with omega-mercaptohexadecanoic acid. In situ ellipsometry, external reflection Fourier transform spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy showed that the packing density and order of the bis-benzamidine layer exerted a pronounced influence on the thickness and density of the nanoparticle layers. These layers exhibited optical properties similar to those of solid gold.