Multicomponent self-assembly with a shape-persistent N-heterotriangulene macrocycle on Au(111)

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Surface Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Molecular self-assembly at surfaces is crucial for nanotechnology.
• Macrocycles offer unique structural motifs for controlled assembly.
• Liquid-solid interfaces provide dynamic environments for network formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate multicomponent network formation using a shape-persistent macrocycle (MC6) at the liquid-solid interface.
• To explore the role of MC6 as a versatile building block for coadsorption with other organic molecules.
• To investigate the precise immobilization of organic molecules within these networks for potential bottom-up fabrication.

Main Methods:

• Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to visualize network formation.
• Codeposition of MC6 with various organic molecules (fullerene, coronene, tetracyanoquinodimethane) was performed.
• MC6 immobilization within pre-assembled host networks was studied.

Main Results:

• Crystalline bicomponent networks formed between MC6 and aromatic molecules like fullerene (C60) and coronene.
• Tetracyanoquinodimethane disrupted MC6 networks by adsorbing on the macrocycle rim.
• MC6 acted as a guest in one host network and induced structural changes in another.
• MC6's central cavity was utilized to capture C60, forming a three-component system.

Conclusions:

• MC6 is a versatile building block for creating multicomponent networks at liquid-solid interfaces.
• Precise control over molecular arrangement within these networks is achievable.
• This demonstrates a key step towards the bottom-up fabrication of functional nanostructures using self-assembly.