A Tale of Tails: Alkyl Chain Directed Formation of 2D Porous Networks Reveals Odd-Even Effects and Unexpected Bicomponent Phase Behavior

作者：Ghijsens Elke; Ivasenko Oleksandr; Tahara Kazukuni; Yamaga Hiroyuki; Itano Shintaro; Balandina Tatyana; Tobe Yoshito^*; De Feyter Steven

来源：ACS Nano, 2013, 7(9): 8031-8042.

DOI：10.1021/nn4032036

• chirality
• odd-even
• self-assembly
• multicomponent

Supramolecular self-assembly of suitably functionalized building blocks on surfaces can serve as an excellent test-bed to gain understanding and control over multicomponent self-assembly in more complex matter. Here we employ a powerful combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and molecular modeling to uncover two-dimensional (2D) crystallization and mixing behavior of a series of alkylated building blocks based on dehydrobenzo[12]annulene, forming arrays of nanowells. Thorough STM investigation employing high-resolution spatial imaging, use of specially designed marker molecules, statistical analysis and thermal stability measurements revealed rich and complex supramolecular chemistry, highlighting the impact of odd-even effects on the phase behavior. The methodology and analysis presented in this work can be easily adapted to the self-assembly of other alkylated building blocks.

• 出版日期2013-9