title: Linear vs exponential formation of molecular-based assemblies.
abstract: Here we present the critical role of the molecular structure and reaction parameters on the nature of thin-film growth, using a versatile two-step assembly method with organic and metal-organic chromophores cross-linked with palladium. It was found that the polypyridyl complexes exhibit exponential growth, whereas, under identical conditions, the organic systems exhibit linear behavior. The internal film morphology plays a pivotal role in the storage and usage of the palladium, where a more porous structure results in exponential growth. Interestingly, through proper tuning of the reaction conditions, the growth of the molecular assemblies can be controlled, resulting in a changeover from exponential to linear growth. These findings unequivocally demonstrate the importance of both the internal film structure and deposition conditions on the assembly of molecular-based films.
authors.affiliation: Department of Organic Chemistry, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
authors.forename: Joyanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choudhury
authors.forename: Revital
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaminker
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Motiei
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: de Ruiter
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morozov
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lupo
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gulino
authors.forename: Milko E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: van der Boom