Supramolecular self-assembly initiated by solid-solid wetting.
We present a preparation method for self-assembled supra-molecular monolayers of unsubstituted organic semiconductors and pigments on a solid substrate, applicable under ambient conditions. The deposition is based on a solid-solid wetting phenomenon, whereas the subsequent layer growth proceeds according to standard models. Molecular adsorption results from direct contact of the compound in a nanocrystalline state with the solid surface. Based on complementary force field calculations, we propose that molecules disintegrate from the crystalline state and adsorb on the surface because of a gain in binding energy. The preparation method is exemplified by means of a linear hydrogen-bonded system, namely quinacridone (QAC) on graphite. In addition, the chosen system allows us to actively guide the self-assembly after deliberate removal of molecules from a predefined area.
Trixler
Frank
F
Department für Geo-und Umweltwissenschaften & Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU München, Theresienstrasse 41, 80333 Munich, Germany. trixler@lmu.de
Markert
Thomas
T
Lackinger
Markus
M
Jamitzky
Ferdinand
F
Heckl
Wolfgang M
WM