On-Surface Synthesis of Na-Porphyrins Using NaCl as a Convenient Na Source

Area of Science:

• Surface Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Metallo-porphyrins are vital in biological and chemical systems.
• Surface synthesis of metallo-porphyrins typically focuses on transition metals.
• Alkali-metal-based porphyrins on surfaces remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the surface synthesis of alkali-metal-based porphyrins.
• To fabricate and characterize sodium-porphyrins on Au(111).
• To investigate controlled manipulation of these surface-confined porphyrins.

Main Methods:

• Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for imaging and manipulation.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for theoretical insights.
• Deposition of sodium chloride (NaCl) on Au(111) substrates.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of double-layered sodium-porphyrins on Au(111).
• Demonstrated precise STM manipulation to interconvert between porphyrin structures.
• Validated the use of inorganic salts for surface metalation of porphyrins.

Conclusions:

• Inorganic salts are a viable precursor for surface metallation of porphyrins.
• This work establishes a new strategy for creating functional alkali-metal porphyrins on surfaces.
• Potential for further functionalization and modification of porphyrin-based materials.