Monolayer

A monolayer is a single, closely packed layer of entities, commonly atoms or molecules.

Monolayers of layered crystals like graphene and molybdenum disulfide are generally called 2D materials.

Traditional compounds used to prepare Langmuir monolayers are amphiphilic materials that possess a hydrophilic headgroup and a hydrophobic tail.

Since the 1980s a large number of other materials have been employed to produce Langmuir monolayers, some of which are semi-amphiphilic, including polymeric, ceramic or metallic nanoparticles and macromolecules such as polymers.

The 2D phases, in increasing pressure order: If the area is further reduced once the solid phase has been reached, collapse occurs, the monolayer breaks and soluble aggregates and multilayers are formed Gibbs monolayers also follow equations of state, which can be deduced from Gibbs isotherm.

Nanoparticle monolayers can be used to create functional surfaces that have for instance anti-reflective or superhydrophobic properties.

Langmuir monolayers are commonly used to mimic cell membrane to study the effects of pharmaceuticals or toxins.