Bilayer graphene on h-BN substrate: investigating the breakdown voltage and tuning the bandgap by electric field

By performing density functional theory calculations we show that it is possible to make the electronic bandgap in bilayer graphene supported on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) substrates tunable. We also show that, under applied electric fields, it is possible to insert states from h-BN into the bandgap, which generate a conduction channel through the substrate making the system metallic. In addition, we verify that the breakdown voltage strongly depends on the number of h-BN layers. We also show that both the breakdown voltage and the bandgap tuning are independent of the h-BN stacking order.

Origin of Anomalous Activities for Electrocatalysts in Alkaline Electrolytes

Pt extended surfaces and nanoparticle electrodes are used to understand the origin of anomalous activities for electrocatalytic reactions in alkaline electrolytes as a function of cycling/time. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) of the surfaces before and after cycling in alkaline electrolytes was used to understand the morphology of the impurities and their impact on the catalytic sites. The nature of the contaminant species is identified as 3d-transition metal cations, and the formation of hydr(oxy)oxides of these elements is established as the main reason for the observed behavior. We find that, while for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) the blocking of the sites by the undesired 3d-transition metal hydr(oxy)oxide species leads to deactivation of the reaction activities, the CO oxidation reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can have beneficial effects from the same impurities, the latter being dependent on the exact nature of the adsorbing species. These results show the significance of impurities present in real electrolytes and their impact on electrocatalysis.

Adsorption of NO on the Rh-13, Pd-13, Ir-13, and Pt-13 Clusters: A Density Functional Theory Investigation

The adsorption of NO on transition-metal (TM) surfaces has been widely studied by experimental and theoretical techniques; however, our atomistic understanding of the interaction of nitrogen monoxide (NO) with small TM clusters is far from satisfactory, which compromises a deep understanding of real catalyst devices. In this study, we report a density functional theory study of the adsorption properties of NO on the TM13 (TM = Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt) clusters employing the projected augmented wave method. We found that the interaction of NO with TM13 is much more complex than that for NO/TM(111). In particular, for low symmetry TM13 clusters, there is a strong rearrangement of the electronic charge density upon NO adsorption and, as a consequence, the adsorption energy shows a very complex dependence even for adsorption sites with the same local effective coordination. We found a strong enhancement of the binding energy of NO to the TM13 clusters compared with the TM(111) surfaces, as the antibonding NO states are not occupied for NO/TM13, and the general relationship based on the d-band model between adsorption energy and the center of gravity of the occupied d-states does not hold for the studied TM13 clusters, in particular, for clusters with low symmetry. In contrast with the adsorption energy trends, the geometric NO/TM13 parameters and the vibrational N-O frequencies for different coordination sites follow the same trend as for the respective TM(111) surfaces, while the changes in the frequencies between different surfaces and TM13 clusters reflect the strong NO-TM13 interaction.

Atomically resolved study of the morphology change of InAs/GaAs quantum dot layers induced by rapid thermal annealing

The optoelectronic properties of InAs/GaAs quantum dots can be tuned by rapid thermal annealing. In this study, the morphology change of InAs/GaAs quantum dots layers induced by rapid thermal annealing was investigated at the atomic-scale by cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy. Finite elements calculations that model the outward relaxation of the cleaved surface were used to determine the indium composition profile of the wetting layer and the quantum dots prior and post rapid thermal annealing. The results show that the wetting layer is broadened upon annealing. This broadening could be modeled by assuming a random walk of indium atoms. Furthermore, we show that the stronger strain gradient at the location of the quantum dots enhances the intermixing. Photoluminescence measurements show a blueshift and narrowing of the photoluminescence peak. Temperature dependent photoluminescence measurements show a lower activation energy for the annealed sample. These results are in agreement with the observed change in morphology. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4770371]

Wasserstoffbrücken-gebundene Netzwerke

Die supramolekularen Organisationen von 5-n-Alkoxyisophthaläuren und 2,5-Di-n-alkoxyterephthalsäuren bilden durch sekundäre Wechselwirkungen in Form van der Waals-Kräften und Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen hochgeordnete lamellare Strukturen, die sowohl mittels Röntgen-kristallgraphie als auch durch Rastertunnelmikroskopie (STM) visualisierbar sind. Diese Art der Aggregationsmuster ermöglicht den potentiell reaktiven Gruppen (Diacetylene, Zimtsäuren) in der Alkoxykette, einen optimalen Abstand und geometrische Orientierungen im Kristall einzunehmen, um lichtinduzierte Reaktionen im Festkörper durchzuführen. Einführung einer Amidgruppe an die Alkoxykette erweitert dieses Konzept, durch Erhalt einer zusätzlichen Wasserstoffbrückenbindung im hydrophoben Bereich der Organisation.Die Stabilität solche supramolekularer Aggregate kann durch Einführung semifluorierter Alkoxyketten stark beeinflußt werden, da die Inkompatibilität der pefluorierten Gruppen durch viele organische Verbindungen das Gleichgewicht nicht-kovalenter Wechselwirkung drastisch verändert. Diese Eigenschaft der semifluorierten 5-n-Alkoxyisopthalsäuren und 2,5-Di-n-alkoxyterephthalsäuren zeigt sich erstaunlicherweise jedoch nur bei einem großen Anteil des perfluorierten Alkylteils als der des nicht-perfluorierten. Da sich dann die perfluorierten Alkylteile untereinander organisieren können, erscheint die Änderung der Assoziationsstruktur von interdigitiert-lamellar zu nicht-interdigitiert-lamellar plausibel.Das gezielte Design eines neuen Organisationsmusters der 5-n-Alkoxyisophthalsäuren gelang durch Brechung der Symmetrie dieses Bausteins. Die Einführung zweier Alkoxyketten ließ die zweidimensionale Anordnung der wasserstoffbrückengebundenen Aromate unverändert, resultierte aber mit Ausbruch einer Alkoxykette aus dieser Ebene.

Synthetical engineering of supramolecular properties of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

An important property for devices is the charge-carrier mobility values for discotic organic materials like hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes. A close relation exists between the degree of their columnar self-arrangement of the molecules and their mobilities. Within this first step an induction of a higher order via hydrogen-bonding was considered, which mainly pointed towards the improvement of the intracolumnar stacking of the materials. For the analytics a broad range of methods was used including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffractometry (WAXS), solid-state NMR spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Indeed, a specific influence of the hydrogen-bonds could be identified, although in several cases by the cost of a severe reduction of solubility and processability. This effect was dampened by the addition of a long alkyl chain next to the hydrogen-bond exerting functional group, which resulted in an improved columnar arrangement by retention of processability. In contrast to the before mentioned example of inducing a higher intracolumnar order by hydrogen-bonding, the focus was also be set upon larger aromatic systems. The charge-carrier mobility is also in close relation to the size of the aromatic core and larger π-areas are expected to lead to improved mobilities. For photovoltaic applications a high extinction coefficient over a broad range of the spectrum is favorable, which can also be achieved by enlarging the aromatic core component. In addition the stronger π-interactions between the aromatic core components should yield an improved columnar stability and order. However the strengthening of the π-interactions between the aromatic core components led to a reduction of the solubility and the processability due to the stronger aggregation of the molecules. This required the introduction of efficiently solubilizing features in terms of long alkyl chains in the corona of the aromatic entity, in combination of a distortion of the aromatic core moiety by bulky tert-butyl groups. By this approach not only the processing and cleaning of the materials with standard laboratory techniques became possible, but moreover the first structure-rich UV/vis and a resolved 1H-NMR spectra for an aromatic system two times larger than hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene were recorded. The bulk properties in an extruded fiber as well as on the surface showed a columnar self-assembly including a phase in which a homeotropic alignment on a substrate was observed, which turns the material into an interesting candidate for future applications in electronic devices.

Advanced SPM studies on the growth of ultrathin films of organic semiconductors at metal and dielectric interfaces

Many studies on the morphology, molecular orientation, device performance, substrate nature and growth parameter dependence have been carried out since the proposal of Sexithiophene (6T) for organic electronics [ ] However, these studies were mostly performed on films thicker than 20nm and without specifically addressing the relationship between morphology and molecular orientation within the nano and micro structures of ultrathin films of 0-3 monolayers. In 2004, the observation that in OFETs only the first few monolayers at the interface in contact with the gate insulator contribute to the charge transport [ ], underlined the importance to study submonolayer films and their evolution up to a few monolayers of thickness with appropriate experimental techniques. We present here a detailed Non-contact Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy study on various substrates aiming at the investigation of growth mechanisms. Most reported similar studies are performed on ideal metals in UHV. However it is important to investigate the details of organic film growth on less ideal and even technological surfaces and device testpatterns. The present work addresses the growth of ultra thin organic films in-situ and quasi real-time by NC-AFM. An organic effusion cell is installed to evaporate the organic material directly onto the SPM sample scanning stage.

Synthesis and Supramolecular Architectures of Lipophilic Derivatives of Guanine

Self-assembly relies on the association of pre-programmed building blocks through non-covalent interactions to give complex supramolecular architectures. Previous studies provided evidence for the unique self-assembly properties of semi-synthetic lipophilic guanosine derivatives which can sequestrate ions from an aqueous phase, carry them into an organic phase where they promote the generation of well-defined supramolecular assemblies. In the presence of cations lipophilic guanosines form columnar aggregates while in their absence they generate supramolecular ribbons. The aim of this thesis has been the synthesis of guanine derivatives, in particular N9-alkylated guanines and a guanosine functionalized as a perchlorotriphenylmetil moiety (Gace-a-HPTM) in order to observe their supramolecular behaviour in the absence of sugar (ribose or deoxyribose) and in the presence of a bulky and chiral substituent respectively. By using guanine instead of guanosine, while maintaining all the hydrogen bond acceptor and donor groups required for supramolecular aggregation, the steric hindrance to supramolecular aggregation is notably reduced because (i.e. guanines with groups in N9 different from sugar are expected to have a greatest conformational freedom even in presence of bulky groups in C8). Supramolecular self-assembly of these derivatives has been accomplished in solutions by NMR and CD spectroscopy and on surface by STM technique. In analogy with other guanosine derivatives, also N9-substituted guanines and GAceHPTM form either ribbon-like aggregates or cation-templated G-quartet based columnar structures.

Nanoscale-electrical and optical properties of iii-nitrides

III-nitrides are wide-band gap materials that have applications in both electronics and optoelectronic devices. Because to their inherent strong polarization properties, thermal stability and higher breakdown voltage in Al(Ga,In)N/GaN heterostructures, they have emerged as strong candidates for high power high frequency transistors. Nonetheless, the use of (Al,In)GaN/GaN in solid state lighting has already proved its success by the commercialization of light-emitting diodes and lasers in blue to UV-range. However, devices based on these heterostructures suffer problems associated to structural defects. This thesis primarily focuses on the nanoscale electrical characterization and the identification of these defects, their physical origin and their effect on the electrical and optical properties of the material. Since, these defects are nano-sized, the thesis deals with the understanding of the results obtained by nano and micro-characterization techniques such as atomic force microscopy(AFM), current-AFM, scanning kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM), electron beam induced current (EBIC) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). This allowed us to probe individual defects (dislocations and cracks) and unveil their electrical properties. Taking further advantage of these techniques,conduction mechanism in two-dimensional electron gas heterostructures was well understood and modeled. Secondarily, origin of photoluminescence was deeply investigated. Radiative transition related to confined electrons and photoexcited holes in 2DEG heterostructures was identified and many body effects in nitrides under strong optical excitations were comprehended.

Spinpolarisierte Rastertunnelmikroskopie magnetischer Nanostrukturen am Beispiel von bcc-Co/Fe(110), Fe/Mo(110) und Kupfer-Phthalocyanin/Fe(110)

In dieser Arbeit werden, nach einer Einführung in die spinpolarisierte Rastertunnelmikroskopie und -spektroskopie als experimentelle Methode zur Untersuchung magnetischer Nanostrukturen, Ergebnisse zur spinpolarisierten elektronischen Struktur in Abhängigkeit von der Kristallstruktur am Beispiel ultradünner Co-Schichten sowie in Abhängigkeit von der Magnetisierungsrichtung für ultradünne Fe-Schichten vorgestellt. Hochaufgelöste Messungen zeigen die ortsabhängige Spinpolarisation auf einem einzelnen Kupfer-Phthalocyanin Molekül. rnrnKobalt wurde durch pseudomorphes Wachstum auf den (110)-Oberflächen der kubisch raumzentrierten Metalle Chrom und Eisen deponiert. Im Unterschied zu früheren Berichten in der Literatur lassen sich nur zwei Lagen Co in der kubisch raumzentrierten (bcc) Ordnung stabilisieren. Die bcc-Co Schichten auf der Fe(110)-Oberfläche zeigen keine Anzeichen von epitaktischen Verzerrungen. rnDickere Schichten rekonstruieren in eine dicht gepackte Struktur (hcp/fcc). Durch die bcc Ordnung wird die Spinpolarisation von Kobalt auf P=62% erhöht (hcp-Co: P=45%). rnrnDie temperaturabhängige Spinreorientierung (SRT) ultradünner Filme Fe/Mo(110) wurde mit spinpolarisierter Spektroskopie untersucht. Eine Neuausrichtung der Magnetisierung aus der senkrechten [110]-Achse in die in der Ebene liegenden [001]-Achse wird bei T=(13,2+-0,5)K festgestellt, wobei es sich um einen diskontinuierlichen Reorientierungsübergang handelt, d.h. die freie Energie weist innerhalb eines bestimmten Temperaturbereichs gleichzeitig zwei Minima auf. Weiterhin wird in der Mono- und Doppellage Fe/Mo(110 eine Abhängigkeit der elektronischen Struktur von der Ausrichtung der magnetisch leichten Achse und von der Magnetisierung beobachtet. rnrnDie Untersuchung des spinpolarisierten Ladungstransports durch ein Kupfer-Phthalocyanin-Molekül auf der Fe/Mo(110) Oberfläche liefert einen wesentlichen Beitrag zum Verständnis des Spintransports an der Grenzfläche zwischen Metall und organischem Molekül. Die HOMO-LUMO-Energielücke des freien Moleküls wird durch die Wechselwirkung mit der Metalloberfläche mit Grenzflächenzuständen gefüllt. Diese Zustände reduzieren die Spinpolarisation des durch das Molekül fließenden Tunnelstroms durch einen zusätzlichen unpolarisierten Strombeitrag um einen Faktor zwei. Spinpolarisierte hybridisierte Grenzflächenzustände mit größerem Abstand zur Fermi-Energie führen in Abhängigkeit von der Position auf dem Molekül zu weiteren Beiträgen zur effektiven Spinpolarisation. Diese Untersuchungen belegen die Möglichkeit einer effektiven Spininjektion in organische Halbleiter und damit das Potential dieser Materialien für die weitere Entwicklung von Spintronik-Bauteilen.

From large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to extended aromate-rich networks

The common ground of this study is the development of novel synthetic strategies to extended one-, two- and three-dimensional aromate-rich systems for which a number of applications are envisaged. rnThe point of departure is the synthesis and characterization of highly symmetric macrocyclic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) for which various aspects of supramolecular chemistry will be investigated. The versatility of the Yamamoto macrocyclization will be demonstrated on the basis of a set of cyclic trimers that exhibit a rich supramolecular chemistry. 1,10-phenanthroline, triphenylene and ortho-terphenyl building blocks have been successfully assembled to the corresponding macrocycles following the newly developed synthetic route. Scanning-tunneling microscopy (STM) and two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray scattering (2D-WAXS) were used to study the two- and three-dimensional self-assembly, respectively.rnSecondly, the development of chemical approaches to highly shape-anisotropic graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and related nanographene molecules shall be discussed. Aryl-aryl coupling was used for the bottom-up fabrication of dendronized monomers, polymers and model compounds. Subsequently, these structures were converted into the final graphene material using oxidative (Scholl-type) cyclodehydrogenation. The GNRs thus obtained are characterized by an unprecedented length and lateral extension. The relevance of structural tailoring in the field of well-defined graphene materials is discussed in detail as only the chemical approach provides full geometry control. rnLastly, novel pathways towards the synthesis of extended three-dimensional networks that are dominated by nitrogen-rich motifs will be presented. If porous, these materials hold a great potential in the fields of gas and energy storage as well as for applications in catalysis. Hence, poly(aminal) networks based on melamine as crosslinking unit were synthesized and characterized with respect to the applications mentioned above. As set of conjugated poly(azomethine) networks was investigated regarding their use as a novel class of organic semiconductors for photocatalytic water splitting. The network structures described in this chapter can also be subjected to a controlled pyrolysis yielding mesoporous, nitrogen-rich carbon materials that were evaluated as active component for supercapacitors.rn

Chemical transformations of the pyrene K-region for functional materials

In dieser Arbeit wurde eine neue Methode zur asymmetrischen Substitution der K-Regionen von Pyren entwickelt, auf welcher das Design und die Synthese von neuartigen, Pyren-basierten funktionalen Materialien beruht. Eine Vielzahl von Substitutionsmustern konnte erfolgreich realisiert werden um die Eigenschaften entsprechend dem Verwendungszweck anzupassen. Der polyzyklische aromatische Kohlenwasserstoff (PAK) Pyren setzt sich aus vier Benzolringen in Form einer planaren Raute mit zwei gegenüberliegenden K-Regionen zusammen. Der synthetische Schlüsselschritt dieser Arbeit ist die chemische Transformation der einen K-Region zu einem α-Diketon und der darauffolgenden selektiven Bromierung der zweiten K-Region. Dieser asymmetrisch funktionalisierte Baustein zeichnet sich durch zwei funktionelle Gruppen mit orthogonaler Reaktivität aus und erweitert dadurch das Arsenal der etablierten Pyren Chemie um eine vielseitig einsetzbare Methode. Aufbauend auf diesem synthetischen Zugang wurden fünf wesentliche Konzepte auf dem Weg zu neuen, von Pyren abgeleiteten Materialen verfolgt: (i) Asymmterische Substitution mit elektronenziehenden versus -schiebenden Gruppen. (ii) Darstellung von Pyrenocyaninen durch Anbindung von Pyren mit einer der K-Regionen an das Phthalocyanin Gerüst zur Ausdehnung des π-Systems. (iii) Einführung von Thiophen an die K-Region um halbleitende Eigenschaften zu erhalten. (iv) Symmetrische Annullierung von PAKs wie Benzodithiophen und Phenanthren an beide K Regionen für cove-reiche und dadurch nicht-planare Strukturen. (v) Verwendung des K-Region-funktionalisierten Pyrens als Synthesebaustein für das Peri-Pentacen. Neben der Synthese wurde die Selbstorganisation in der Festphase und an der flüssig/fest Grenzfläche mittels zweidimensionaler Weitwinkel-Röntgenstreuung (2D WAXS) bzw. Rastertunnelmikroskopie (STM) untersucht. Die halbleitenden Eigenschaften wurden in organischen Feld-Effekt Transistoren (OFETs) charakterisiert.

Temperatur- und ortsabhängige Zustandsdichte des organischen Supraleiters Kappa-(BEDT-TTF) 2 Cu[N(CN) 2]Br

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde die temperatur- und ortsabhängige Zustandsdichte des organischen Supraleiters kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br mit Rastertunnelspektroskopie bei tiefen Temperaturen untersucht.rnZusätzlich zur bereits bekannten supraleitenden Energielücke wird dabei eine logarithmische Unterdrückung der Zustandsdichte an der Fermikante beobachtet, die auch oberhalb der kritischen Temperatur erhalten bleibt. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird gezeigt, dass sich dieses Verhalten durch ein für ungeordnete elektronische Systeme entwickeltes Modell unter Berücksichtigung von Coulomb-Wechselwirkungen beschreiben lässt. Die daraus resultierenden Fluktuationen der elektronischen Struktur führen zu einer Verbreiterung der gemessenen supraleitenden Energielücke, die sich durch sehr kleine Kohärenzmaxima im entsprechenden Quasiteilchenanregungsspektrum äußert. Dieses Verhalten wurde bereits beobachtet, konnte jedoch bisher nicht erklärt werden. Die theoretische Beschreibung der logarithmischen Unterdrückung trägt somit zusätzlich zum Verständnis des supraleitenden Beitrags bei, sodass die gesamte Zustandsdichte vollständig beschrieben werden kann. Die Analyse der gemessenen supraleitenden Energielücke wurde für verschiedene Symmetrien des Ordnungsparameters durchgeführt, wobei die beste Übereinstimmung für die Annahme einer d-wellenartigen Symmetrie mit zwei unterschiedlich stark ausgeprägten Energielücken gefunden wurde. Der Paarbildungsmechanismus, der zur Bindung zweier Elektronen zu einem Cooper-Paar führt, kann mit einer $d$-wellenartigen Symmetrie nicht durch die in konventionellen Supraleitern gefundene Elektron-Phonon-Kopplung erklärt werden. Stattdessen wird in Analogie zur Hochtemperatur-Supraleitung eine durch antiferromagnetische Spin-Wechselwirkungen induzierte Kopplung der Elektronen vermutet. Dies wird zum einen durch die oberhalb der kritischen Temperatur auftretende, zweite Energielücke und zum anderen durch die zwischen 4,66 und 5,28 liegende Kopplungsstärke 2Delta/(kB Tc) unterstützt, die deutlich größer als für konventionelle Supraleiter mit Elektron-Phonon-Kopplung ist.

Classification of suppressor additives based on synergistic and antagonistic ensemble effects

Three fundamental types of suppressor additives for copper electroplating could be identified by means of potential Transient measurements. These suppressor additives differ in their synergistic and antagonistic interplay with anions that are chemisorbed on the metallic copper surface during electrodeposition. In addition these suppressor chemistries reveal different barrier properties with respect to cupric ions and plating additives (Cl, SPS). While the type-I suppressor selectively forms efficient barriers for copper inter-diffusion on chloride-terminated electrode surfaces we identified a type-II suppressor that interacts non-selectively with any kind of anions chemisorbed on copper (chloride, sulfate, sulfonate). Type-I suppressors are vital for the superconformal copper growth mode in Damascene processing and show an antagonistic interaction with SPS (Bis-Sodium-Sulfopropyl-Disulfide) which involves the deactivation of this suppressor chemistry. This suppressor deactivation is rationalized in terms of compositional changes in the layer of the chemisorbed anions due to the competition of chloride and MPS (Mercaptopropane Sulfonic Acid) for adsorption sites on the metallic copper surface. MPS is the product of the dissociative SPS adsorption within the preexisting chloride matrix on the copper surface. The non-selectivity in the adsorption behavior of the type-II suppressor is rationalized in terms of anion/cation pairing effects of the poly-cationic suppressor and the anion-modified copper substrate. Atomic-scale insights into the competitive Cl/MPS adsorption are gained from in situ STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscopy) using single crystalline copper surfaces as model substrates. Type-III suppressors are a third class of suppressors. In case of type-land type-II suppressor chemistries the resulting steady-state deposition conditions are completely independent on the particular succession of additive adsorption. In contrast to that a strong dependence of the suppressing capabilities on the sequence of additive adsorption ("first comes, first serves" principle) is observed for the type-IIIsuppressor. This behavior:is explained by a suppressor barrier that impedes not only the copper inter-diffusion but also the transport of other additives (e.g. SPS) to the copper surface. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adsorption behavior of redox-active suppressor additives: Combined electrochemical and STM studies

The redox chemistry and the related surface phase behavior of Safranine (SAF) and Janus Green B (JGB) have been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry in combination with in situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy using HOPG (Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite) and single crystalline Cu(1 0 0) as model substrates, both revealing different widths of the accessible potential windows. JGB and SAF serve as prototypical heterocyclic suppressor/leveler additives that are used for the metallization of 3D-TSVs (3D Through Silicon Vias) following a classical "leveling" concept. SAF can be considered as the reductive decomposition product of JGB that is formed at the copper/electrolyte interface upon electroplating. Both additives reveal a pronounced pH-dependent redox-chemistry with redox-transitions lying close to or even beyond the anodic limit of the copper potential window. Affected by these redox-processes are in particular the aromatic cores of those heterocycles that can be (quasi)reversibly reduced by a two electron transfer process within the potential window of copper. Therefore we identify the reduced form of those dyes as the active components for the suppressing/leveling effect in copper plating. STM data clearly shows a dye surface phase behavior that is crucially determined by its potential-dependent redox-chemistry. This will be exemplarily discussed for the SAF dye. On chloride-modified Cu(1 0 0) mono-reduced SAF forms a structurally well-defined monolayer of cationic stacking polymers. However, this coupled anion/cation layer reveals only minor suppressing capabilities with respect to the copper dissolution and deposition processes. Complete reduction of the aromatic heterocycle finally leads to the 3D precipitation of hydrophobic reaction products. 3D clusters of this SAF precipitate are discussed as the active structural motif for the suppressing effect of these dyes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.