Functionalizing Zn- and O-terminated ZnO with thiols

We have investigated the adsorption of dodecanethiol on zinc- and oxygen-terminated ZnO surfaces. Strong enthalpic adsorption is demonstrated by the stability of sulfur on both ZnO surfaces for temperatures up to $400°C$⁠. The minimal presence of the S $2p3∕2$ $170eV$ peak suggests absorption of the sulfur as an unoxidized thiol. The results indicate a higher surface coverage of the thiol on the zinc-terminated surface. Evidence from reflection high energy electron diffraction measurements for the surface ordering after thiol treatment of the oxygen-terminated ZnO surface suggests that the dodecanethiol molecules can adsorb in a highly ordered manner. These results further open the possibility for biofunctionalization of ZnO for biosensing applications.