Self-assembled monolayers (SAMS) and synthesis of planar micro- and nanostructures

A polymer is a macromolcule made up of multiple equivalents of one or more monomers linked together by covalent bonds. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are highly ordered molecular assemblies formed by chemisorption of functionalized molecules on the surface. Various system of SAMs are reviewed in this article. The synthesis and structures of SAMs on gold and silver are briefly discussed along with chemical reactions that occur on SAMs after their assembly. The patterning of SAMs on gold and its applications are discussed in the plane of the monolayer.