Tailoring two-dimensional PTCDA-melamine self-assembled architectures at room temperature by tuning molecular ratio

Nanotechnology. 2010 Apr 23;21(16):165602. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/16/165602. Epub 2010 Mar 26.

Abstract

Engineering and tuning multi-component supramolecular self-assemblies on surfaces is one of the challenges of nanotechnology. We use scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate the influence of molecular ratio on the self-assembly of PTCDA-melamine structures on Au(111)-(22 x complex square root of 3). Our observations reveal that three different chiral supramolecular networks having a PTCDA:melamine ratio of 3:2, 1:2, 1:4 can be selectively created by tuning the ratio of molecules deposited on the surface. The 1:2 ratio network having melamine in excess has been observed previously but the 1:4 network has not yet been reported. In comparison, the multi-component 3:2 network having PTCDA in excess is a completely new structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anhydrides / chemistry*
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Particle Size
  • Perylene / analogs & derivatives*
  • Perylene / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature
  • Triazines / chemistry*

Substances

  • 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride
  • Anhydrides
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Triazines
  • Perylene
  • melamine