Progress in self-assembly of TTF derivatives at HOPG interface

Abstract

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives are currently a prevalent and promising topic due to their high symmetry, planarity and reversible redox properties. The study of TTF derivatives’ supramolecular architectures on the surface of HOPG plays an increasingly important role in molecular electronics in practical application areas. Above all, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has the advantages of in situ, real-time, and atomic-level resolution. It plays an irreplaceable role in the study of self-assembly on a solid surface to disclose the conformations and arrangements of target molecules. In this perspective, we mainly describe the progress in the self-assembly of TTF derivatives on the surface of HOPG. Throughout the study, their intermolecular interactions contribute to the construction of supramolecular structures. In addition, the strength of interactions strongly depends on the chemical structure.