Dependence of mesoscopic growth on molecular configuration in Langmuir–Blodgett multilayers

Systematic studies by atomic force microscopy and X-ray reflectivity of three monolayer Langmuir–Blodgett films of M-Stearate (M = Cd, Zn, Mn) show change in surface morphology and growth mode with change in metal ions in the headgroup. Growth proceeds via Volmer Weber mode in CdSt, Stranski–Krastanov mode in ZnSt and Frank Van der Merwe mode in MnSt, as ascertained from fractal dimensions and out-of-plane density profiles. This is closely related with increase in number of metal ions incorporated per headgroup with change in metal ions in the order Cd, Zn and Mn. A preliminary correlation with metal atomic number is noted.