Self-Assembled Monolayers of Schiff Bases on Copper Surfaces

Self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of Schiff base N,N′-o-phenylenbis(3-methoxysalicylaldenimine), designated as V-o-Ph-V, and N-2-hydroxyphenyl-(3-methoxysalicylidenimine), designated as V-bso, were formed on a copper surface pretreated using different methods. The process of self-assembly was monitored in situ by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and the quality and the corrosion protection abilities of SAM were evaluated by the alternating current (AC) impedance technique. It was found that the self-assembly of Schiff base on copper was a fast process; V-o-Ph-V SAM was packed more densely than V-bso SAM. Experimental conditions such as the concentration of V-o-Ph-V, immersion time, and the methods of surface treatment have direct effects on the quality of V-o-Ph-V SAM.