Surface modification by self-assembled monolayer and carbon nanotubes

The rule that governs surface reactions provides very important information for fundamental studies in chemistry and biochemistry. The potential to define the chemical and physical properties of solid surfaces is decisive for chemical sensing, electronics and many other applications. The application of the technique in interfacial surfaces such as one-molecule-thick films has led to a feasible and significant tool for modern scientific studies. A monomolecular film of a surfactant formed spontaneously on a substrate upon exposure to a surfactant solution constitutes a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). SAM technology provides a powerful means to generate monomolecular films of biological molecules on a variety of solid substrates. SAMs give quick and accurate response to stimuli without having any mass transport problem due to the intimate contact with the supporting surface. The environment of an immobilized recognition center and the density over the surface will also be controlled by SAMs. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have become intensely capable materials for biomolecular attachment due to their properties such as large length-to-diameter aspect ratios, which provide high surface-to-volume ratios. The attachment of CNTs to the interfacial surface and to biomolecules plays an important role in formation of functional assemblies on the solid surface.