Themed collection Scanning probe frontiers in molecular 2D-architecture world

STM is emerging as a tool to elucidate and guide the use of self-assembled molecular systems in practical applications, including small molecule device engineering, molecular recognition and sensing and electronic modification of 2D materials.

Tip deflection effects in AFM: DBTH molecule imaged with a flexible CO-, and a more rigid O-terminated Cu tip.

Two-dimensional self-assembled nanostructures can be constructed by nucleobases and various reactants on Au(111).

Scanning probe instruments in conjunction with a very low temperature environment have revolutionized the ability of building, functionalizing, and analysing two dimensional interfaces in the last twenty years.

Diverse self-assembled structures were obtained on Cu(111) and Ag(111) surfaces by using a simple and small 4,4′′-dichloro-1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl molecule.

In this work we demonstrate that the surface adsorption and pH play a determining role in controlling the final product of a Schiff base reaction.

Free-base phthalocyanine forms distinct interfacial phases and thin films on hexagonal boron nitride including a monolayer arrangement as determined using high resolution atomic force microscopy.

Diyne phospholipids adsorb edge-on on MoS₂, producing stable monolayers with large, ordered domains, despite low alkane adsorption enthalpies on MoS₂.

Based on scanning tunneling microscopy experiments combined with density functional theory, we report the formation and the electronic structure of porous binary supramolecular networks on Au(111).

We find a phase separation and selective guest–host inclusion in the self-assembly of trimesic acid, benzenetribenzoic acid and coronene on Au(111).

H-shaped arylene–alkynylene scaffolds form brick-like patterns on graphite, as shown via scanning-tunneling microscopy.

Achieving the Ag(001)-supported synthesis of heptacene from two related reactants reveals the effect of the presence of Br atoms on the reaction process.

A nanographene formed by the fusion of 22 benzene rings has been prepared by combining in-solution cycloaddition reactions and on-surface cyclodehydrogenations.

Kinetic pathway in S-layer self-assembly at the solid–liquid interface across time (second to hours) and spatial scales (nm to microns).

A rich spectrum of room-temperature stable Ag and Fe²⁺ coordination nodes, ranging from monomers to trimers, emerges on silver.

2D host–guest chemistry combined with drop-casting allows to trap functionalized 3D Zn–phthalocyanine complex into a large 2D porous supramolecular template.

Asymmetric dynamics in fundamental adsorption and desorption steps drive self-assembly at solution/solid interface.

We investigate the effect of covalently modified graphitic surfaces on the formation of single-layer covalent organic frameworks (sCOFs) at the solid–liquid interface.

Steric hindrance by ortho-methyl substitution improves the structural quality of organometallic networks.

Two-dimensional confinement enables thermodynamic control over the competition between macrocycle and chain formation.

We show the influence of the material beneath the single atomic layer of graphene on the electronic properties of adsorbed aromatic molecules.

We report the on-surface synthesis of graphene nanoribbon superlattice arrays directed by the herringbone reconstruction of the Au(111) surface.

The first evidence is provided of the role played by the metal support in the oxygen reduction reaction catalysed by Ag(100)-adsorbed iron phthalocyanine molecules.

The DFT optimized 44BEP on metal (M) surfaces. The change of binding energy (E_b) and distances (d_{Br_sub} and d_{N_sub}) on different surfaces will bring different configurations and self-assembling behaviours.

The growth of a bicomponent supramolecular network is controlled by Halogen bonding on a silicon surface and investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy.

Ni adatoms are at the origin of a self-assembled bicomponent molecular system on Au(111).

Diastereospecific two-dimensional crystallization is reported for bishelicenes on a Cu(111) surface.

Monte Carlo simulations reveal the role of surface conformers in self-assembly on crystalline supports.

Different contrasts are observed via STM in brickwall phases of indacene-tetrone resulting from the adaptation on different epitaxial templates.

An activated reaction can lead to a diversity of intermolecular bonding motifs through partially-reacted molecules.

Two triphenyleneethynylene derivatives, 1^OH and 2, self-assemble a patterned monolayer (ML) at the solution–graphite (HOPG) interface. The monolayer is used to template bottom-up self-assembly of a 5 nm/19 nm double pitch pattern of gold nanoparticles on HOPG.

Here we show a conceptual approach to realize the scanning tunneling microscopy based induced-assembly of fullerene (C₆₀) molecules on top of a buffer organic adlayer at room temperature in a solution environment.

In this work, we studied the discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) of dibenzo[a,c]phenazine at the liquid–solid interface using scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy, by which we show how to tailor the DLC assemblies and in turn their electron-transfer efficiency.

The on-surface Ullmann coupling of 2,3-dibromo[4]helicene molecules is studied on Au(111) and Cu(111) surfaces.

Through thermal treatment, three regular molecular tessellations are constructed on Cu(111) with a linear DOD precursor.

We report the STM and AFM images of cyclophane trienes and their ROMP products, presenting unique surface morphologies on HOPG.

The synthesis of a 2D boroxine covalent framework is described, which exhibits promising morphological and electronic properties.

On-surface synthesis of conjugated polymers is made challenging by the need to promote the desired reaction while preventing or minimizing unwanted ancillary reactions that compromise the product integrity.

The real-space evidence of Watson–Crick and Hoogsteen Adenine–uracil base pairs on Au(111).

The intrinsic electronic structure of chevron graphene nanoribbons are revealed through in situ silicon intercalation.

We display the dynamic hydration process of adenine molecular networks by the use of water molecules on Au(111) in real space.