Thermodynamics of 4,4 '-stilbenedicarboxylic acid monolayer self-assembly at the nonanoic acid-graphite interface

A direct calorimetric measurement of the overall enthalpy change associated with self-assembly of organic monolayers at the liquid–solid interface is for most systems of interest practically impossible. In previous work we proposed an adapted Born–Haber cycle for an indirect assessment of the overall enthalpy change by using terephthalic acid monolayers at the nonanoic acid–graphite interface as a model system. To this end, the sublimation enthalpy, dissolution enthalpy, the monolayer binding enthalpy in vacuum, and a dewetting enthalpy are combined to yield the total enthalpy change. In the present study the Born–Haber cycle is applied to 4,40 -stilbenedicarboxylic acid monolayers. A detailed comparison of these two aromatic dicarboxylic acids is used to evaluate and quantify the contribution of the organic backbone for stabilization of the monolayer at the nonanoic acid–graphite interface.