Research Summary

Dr. Schick's research interests include characterization and manipulation of molecule-molecule and molecule-surface interactions associated with adsorbed organic monolayers. His group employs chemical self-assembly and film-balance techniques to deposit monolayer and sequenced multilayer organic thin films. These methods help to provide molecular-scale control over surface modifications that are relevant to such areas as adhesion, chemical sensing, and electronic device fabrication.

In self-assembly, surfaces are chemically functionalized and exposed to compounds that will covalently bond to the functionalized sites. Such films are said to be "chemisorbed," owing to the covalent nature of the molecule-surface interactions. Self-assembled films are typically quite stable, both mechanically and chemically, and are therefore good candidates for eventual materials applications. Our primary interest in self-assembled films involves post-deposition photochemical modification of the adsorbed monolayers. Ultraviolet photolithography can be combined with sequential self-assembly steps in order to pattern multilayer organic assemblies at sub-micron resolution. These patterning techniques provide flexibility in designing surfaces with spatially-resolved chemical reactivities. Some specific projects currently being pursued in Dr. Schick's group involve patterning arrays of organic chromophores for possible applications as chemical sensors and electroluminescent flat-panel displays.

Selected Publications

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