Stability of monomolecular films of archaebacterial tetraether lipids on silicon wafers: A comparison of physisorbed and chemisorbed monolayers

► The monomolecular organisation of chemically modified tetraether lipids (TEL) was studied. ► The physical and chemical stability of TEL films were analysed by ellipsometry and AFM. ► The hydrophobic surfaces supported the formation of stronger TEL films on silicon wafer substrates.