Variable temperature STM study of Co deposition on a dodecanethiol self assembled monolayer

► Co deposited at RT on a DDT SAM is characterized by an incomplete condensation. ► Co deposited at RT penetrates the DDT monolayer through the defects in the SAM. ► At 50 K, Co deposition show a complete regime of condensation with Ed< 64 meV. ► At 50 K, Co nucleates in the SAM defects and 3D islands grow on top of the SAM.