Temperature-induced self-assembly transformation: an effective external stimulus on 2D supramolecular structures

Abstract

With the development of nano-characterization technology, imaging and controlling of two-dimensional (2D) self-assembled supramolecular structures on the surface have drawn increasing attention in nanoscience and technology. As an important influence factor of 2D self-assembly, temperature takes effect on intermolecular interaction processes like π–π interaction, hydrogen bonding, metal–ligand coordination, and van der Waals interaction, which eventually influences the final self-assembled structures. Here we discussed various temperature-controlled processes and their change mechanisms, from simple energy-caused transitions to complex synergy processes, which will help us to gather experimental and theoretical experiences on self-assembly construction and manipulation.