XPS and electrochemical evaluation of two-dimensional organic films obtained by chemical modification of self-assembled monolayers of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane on copper surfaces

In this study, a protective film consisting of an ultrathin two-dimensional polymer was prepared by hydrolysis of a (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (ethanol, 10−3 M) self-assembled monolayer grafted onto copper and a subsequent modification with 3(heptofluoroisopropoxy)propyltrichlorosilane (toluene, 10−3 M). Each stage of the preparation was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) while copperʹs corrosion-inhibitive properties were assessed by cyclic voltammetry measurements carried on in a 0.1 M NaOH medium. A remarkable enhancement of the copperʹs corrosion protection was obtained by the formation of lateral siloxane linkages between MPTS molecules absorbed followed by the grafting of the second molecular layer.