Formation of Microscopic Structures in Molecular Films at Soft Interfaces

Abstract

Two-dimensionally organized structures formed in monolayers of amphiphilic molecules at the air/water interface, as well as their in situ observation techniques and formation mechanisms, are described after brief explanation of how to prepare the monolayers and interpretation of surface balance isotherms. Some examples of molecular arrangement and orientation evaluation using a grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) technique are also mentioned. Various kinds of organized molecular structures are formed by diverse effects arising from intermolecular interactions at the air/water interface.