Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 November 2013
Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films have been applied to molecular electronics, nonlinear optics, and biosensors. Their useful properties can be accessed by using a defect-free monolayer—the precursor of LB films. In order to prepare a defect-free or defect-diminished monolayer, it is necessary to estimate the molecular arrangements and structural defects in the monolayer. The actual structure of monolayers on the surface of water have been proposed on the basis of recent morphological and structural studies. Molecular-aggregation processes or monolayer-formation processes do not always match the general concept concluded from surface pressure-area (π-A) isotherms. Therefore, a universal understanding has not been reached. Here we present a novel and systematic classification for the aggregation structure of monolayers on the water surface and also demonstrate how to prepare defect-diminished monolayers.