The quality and inhibition efficiency of thiourea (TU), allylthiourea (AT) and phenylthiourea (PT) self-assembled films were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curves, respectively. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to investigate interactions between copper and thioureas. The self-assembled ability order of thioureas onto copper was obtained, which is PT＞A＞TU. The structural essential of thioureas self-assembled on copper was revealed, which can provide a theoretical basis for looking for and preparing more inhibitive self-assembled films.

Key words: thiourea, self-assembly, inhibition