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Monolayers at air‐water interfaces: from origins‐of‐life to nanotechnology
Author(s) -
Ariga Katsuhiko,
Hill Jonathan P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the chemical record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.61
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1528-0691
pISSN - 1527-8999
DOI - 10.1002/tcr.201100004
Subject(s) - monolayer , langmuir , aqueous solution , nanotechnology , interface (matter) , air interface , chemical physics , molecule , materials science , aqueous medium , chemistry , computer science , organic chemistry , telecommunications , gibbs isotherm , wireless
The air‐water interface presents several interesting features, namely a) a molecularly flat environment, b) a boundary region between two phases with different dielectric constants, c) permits or promotes dynamic interactions within the interface region, and d) a point of interaction between hydrophobic compounds and aqueous molecules. Accordingly, Langmuir monolayers at the air‐water interface have several unique characteristics and properties, which require investigation. In this review‐type personal account, typical examples of molecular recognition and molecular patterning at air‐water interfaces are first introduced, followed by descriptions of specific and unusual properties of monolayers on water. In addition, two examples of our own results concerning Langmuir monolayers are explained. We have selected examples from two apparently unrelated research areas, these being the origin of life and future nanotechnology, in order to emphasize the diverse scientific contribution of research on monolayers at the air‐water interface. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100004