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Molecules with multiple switching units on a Au(111) surface: self-organization and single-molecule manipulation
Johannes Mielke1, Sofia Selvanathan, Maike Peters
1Department of Physical Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Institute of the Max-Planck-Society, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.
Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal
|September 12, 2012
Summary
Researchers synthesized azobenzene molecules on a gold surface. Despite successful deposition and self-assembly, the azobenzene units did not undergo the expected light-induced trans-cis isomerization.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Molecular engineering
Background:
- Azobenzene derivatives are known for their photo-responsive properties.
- Understanding molecular behavior on surfaces is crucial for nanotechnology.
- Electronic coupling influences molecular switching and self-assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- Synthesize and characterize novel azobenzene molecules with varying bridge structures.
- Investigate the self-assembly behavior of these molecules on a Au(111) surface.
- Explore the photo-switching capabilities of azobenzene units on the surface.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of three distinct azobenzene-containing molecules.
- Deposition onto Au(111) surface via sublimation.
- Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for molecular imaging and manipulation.
Main Results:
- Molecules remained intact after deposition, confirmed by STM.
- Spontaneous formation of self-organized molecular structures on Au(111) at room temperature.
- Lateral manipulation of molecules was achieved, but trans-cis isomerization was not induced.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized azobenzene molecules self-assemble into ordered structures on Au(111).
- The specific molecular architecture and surface interactions may inhibit photo-isomerization.
- Further studies are needed to understand the factors preventing azobenzene switching on this surface.
