Characterization of binary self-assembled monolayers formed from the sequential deposition of 2-naphthalenethiol and octanethiol

•Study conducted in ambient conditions, demonstrating the stability and the realistic applicability of the system.•Compounds used have relevant applications in nanotechnology.•Formation of mixed monolayer driven by how many defect sites are present in initial monolayer.•Formation of ordered structures in mixed monolayer affected by ability of incoming molecule to form ordered arrays. The binary monolayer system of 2-naphthalenethiol (2NT) and octanethiol (OT) was prepared on the surface of Au(111) and structurally characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in ambient conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was conducted for elemental analysis of the adsorbates present in each monolayer. Both the sequence of deposition and the concentration of the 2NT solution used were varied. The mixed monolayer systems formed various surface structures, including the formation of novel packing of 2NT which are observed when the lower concentration of 2NT is adsorbed onto a pre-existing OT monolayer. [Display omitted]