Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Microscopic Visualization of Porous Nanographenes Synthesized through a Combination of Solution and On-Surface Chemistry
Published on: March 4, 2021
Guanine- and potassium-based two-dimensional coordination network self-assembled on Au(111)
Wei Xu1, Jian-guo Wang, Miao Yu
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Center for DNA Nanotechnology (CDNA), and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Aarhus, Ny Munkegade, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. xuwei@tongji.edu.cn
Researchers created a novel metallosupramolecular porous network using potassium atoms and G-K biological coordination molecules on a gold surface. This network is stabilized by hydrogen bonding and metal-organic coordination, opening new avenues in surface chemistry.
Area of Science:
- Surface chemistry
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Coordination chemistry
Background:
- The G-K biological coordination system is well-established.
- Metal-organic coordination on inert surfaces is challenging.
- Controlling molecular self-assembly on surfaces is crucial for nanotechnology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bioligand-alkali metal coordination on an inert Au(111) surface.
- To construct a metallosupramolecular porous network.
- To understand the stabilization mechanisms of the network.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for surface imaging.
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for theoretical analysis.
- Utilizing the G-K biological coordination system.
Main Results:
- Successful coordination between mobile G molecules and potassium (K) atoms on Au(111).
- Formation of a stable metallosupramolecular porous network.
- The network is stabilized by a balance of hydrogen bonding and metal-organic coordination.
Conclusions:
- Bioligand-alkali metal coordination is achievable on inert surfaces like Au(111).
- A novel porous network structure was formed and characterized.
- The findings highlight the interplay of different bonding types in surface self-assembly.
Related Concept Videos
Coordination Number and Geometry
Valence Bond Theory
Lattice Centering and Coordination Number
Types of Unit Cells
Imagine taking a large number of identical...
Network Covalent Solids
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
Metallic Solids
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
Coordination Compounds and Nomenclature

