Self-assembled monolayers: from simple model systems to biofunctionalized interfaces

We review recent developments in the area of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and their applications. First, we discuss issues related to the structure, the phase transitions, the phase diagram, and the growth dynamics. We explain how the internal degrees of freedom and the multiple interactions involved can lead to a fairly rich phase behaviour even for systems which are commonly considered 'simple' model systems. Then we discuss selected problems for more complex SAM-based systems, including SAMs as substrates for growth, SAMs and molecular electronics, electrochemical applications, and 'switchable' SAMs, as well as the use of SAMs for biofunctionalized surfaces and lateral structuring.