Photoemission study of pristine and potassium intercalated benzylic amide [2]catenane films

Abstract

In this paper we report a photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and UPS) study of films of a benzylic amide [2]catenane on Au(111). We show that this molecule retains its molecular integrity during sublimation and that it chemisorbs on the metal surface. Potassium intercalation modifies the electronic structure of the films. We have observed a reduction of its amide functions and a modification of the charge density of the aromatic rings. The creation of polaron-like states in the gap of the neutral catenane and a decrease in the catenane work function of 0.8 eV have been demonstrated.