Multilevel supramolecular architectures self-assembled on metal surfaces

ACS Nano. 2010 Apr 27;4(4):1997-2002. doi: 10.1021/nn100116y.

Abstract

We report the controllability of the complexity of surface-supported supramolecular assembly on metal surfaces. By introducing mismatch between the molecular packing and the surface atomic periodicity in the systems with comparable strength of intermolecular and molecule-substrate interactions, a homomolecular assembly exhibiting two-dimensional multilevel structures up to quaternary level was observed. In such a multiperiodicity modulated system, neither the intermolecular nor molecule-substrate interactions solely dominate the assembly, resulting in complicated multilevel structures. We further demonstrated that the multilevel assemblies can serve as templates for site-selective adsorption of guest molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Metals / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Metals