Si(111) surface modified with α,β-unsaturated carboxyl groups studied by MIR-FTIR

A Si(111) surface modified with alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxyl groups was fabricated using activated alkynes such as propiolic acid and propiolic acid methyl ester via hydrosilylation reaction. The obtained coverage of carboxyl groups was roughly estimated to be 55-60% in both cases from the Si-2p and C-1s X-ray photoelectron specroscopy (XPS) peak intensities. The detailed surface structures were investigated by multiple internal reflection Fourier transform infrared (MIR-FTIR) measurement. It was revealed that this reaction was promoted by visible light irradiation at room temperature. The Si surface modified with functional groups prepared under such a moderate condition is adaptable to functional devices which are easily damaged under UV irradiation or high temperature conditions.