Complementary electrochemical ICP-MS flow cell and in-situ AFM study of the anodic desorption of molecular adhesion promotors

Molecular adhesion promoters are a central component of modern coating systems for the corrosion protection structural materials. They interface active and form ultrathin inhibiting adhesion-promoting layers. Here we utilize thiol-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as model system demonstrating comprehensive combinatorial approach to understand molecular level mechanisms under anodic polarization. Specifically, compare hydrophilic 11-Mercapto-1-undecanol hydrophobic 1-Undecanethiol SAMs their gold-dissolution properties. We can show that intermolecular forces (hydrophobic vs effects) control how SAM layers perform oxidative conditions. using in situ electrochemical AFM flow cell coupled an ICP-MS complementary view on both resistance, well changes surface morphology/adhesion is possible. Protection from dissolution higher with SAMs, which detach micelle formation, while exhibits lower protective effects gold rates, although it stays intact highly mobile layer The developed multi-technique will prove useful studying interfacial activity suppression mechanism molecules other metals alloys.