Role of the extent of π-electron conjugation in visible-light assisted molecular anchoring on Si(111) surfaces

Distinct experimental values of redox potentials were reproducibly shown by the hybrids, which calls for different arrangements of the tethering arms bound to Si. A linear relationship is found between the redox potentials obtained from the functionalized wafers used as electrodes in a cell and the values of the first ionization energy observed for the free molecules in the gas-phase, previously explored by synchrotron radiation photoemission. On the basis of our previous findings, the reproducibly distinct values of redox potentials displayed by the hybrids hint at a preservation of the nature of the C-C bond present in the anchoring arm of the precursor upon addition to silicon.