Rational Design of Molecular Self-Assemblies: A Platform for Nanophotonics
David Bléger, Fabrice Mathevet, David Kreher, André-Jean Attias, Guillaume Schull, Ludovic Douillard, Céline Fiorini-Debuisschert and Fabrice Charra
In order to create surface patterns, planar molecules with extended π-conjugated systems have found particularly wide use because they tend to bond in a flat-lying geometry, which allows functional groups at the molecule periphery to approach each other easily and to engage into noncovalent interactions, predominantly hydrogen bonds [1]. In this work, we developed an original approach, based on a new molecular unit designed both in order to act as a functional group used as a ‘clip’ between neighboring molecules, and to pattern 2D supra-molecular architectures into specific arrangements. The opportunity to reach multiple and tunable topologies is evidenced by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). All these results allow to establish molecular-engineering rules for designing new nanostructures, opening interesting perspectives for applications in various domains of nanotechnology such as nanophotonics.
Keywords: Self-assembly, scanning tunneling microscopy, liquid-solid interface.