Synthesis and Characterization of Atomically Flat Methyl-Terminated Ge(111) Surfaces

Abstract

Atomically flat, terraced H–Ge(111) was prepared by annealing in H_2(g) at 850 °C. The formation of monohydride Ge–H bonds oriented normal to the surface was indicated by angle-dependent Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Subsequent reaction in CCl_3Br(l) formed Br-terminated Ge(111), as shown by the disappearance of the Ge–H absorption in the FTIR spectra concomitant with the appearance of Br photoelectron peaks in X-ray photoelectron (XP) spectra. The Br–Ge(111) surface was methylated by reaction with (CH_3)_2Mg. These surfaces exhibited a peak at 568 cm^–1 in the high-resolution electron energy loss spectrum, consistent with the formation of a Ge–C bond. The absorption peaks in the FTIR spectra assigned to methyl “umbrella” and rocking modes were dependent on the angle of the incident light, indicating that the methyl groups were bonded directly atop surface Ge atoms. Atomic-force micrographs of CH_3–Ge(111) surfaces indicated that the surface remained atomically flat after methylation. Electrochemical scanning–tunneling microscopy showed well-ordered methyl groups that covered nearly all of the surface. Low-energy electron diffraction images showed sharp, bright diffraction spots with a 3-fold symmetry, indicating a high degree of order with no evidence of surface reconstruction. A C 1s peak at 284.1 eV was observed in the XP spectra, consistent with the formation of a C–Ge bond. Annealing in ultrahigh vacuum revealed a thermal stability limit of ∼400 °C of the surficial CH_3–Ge(111) groups. CH_3–Ge(111) surfaces showed significantly greater resistance to oxidation in air than H–Ge(111) surfaces.