Nanofibers from methoxy functionalized para-phenylene molecules

Results of a growth study of self assembled, up to several hundred micrometers long organic nanofibers from methoxy functionalized quaterphenylene molecules on muscovite mica are presented. The new nanofibers emit bright blue light peaked at 400 nm. They show higher surface mobility as compared to hexaphenylene nanofibers, which results in wider aggregates and larger depletion zones around the aggregates. Also, due to the modified crystal structure two different needle directions are observed within a mica domain. Using atomic force microscopy and low energy electron diffraction we present evidence for a wetting layer of lying molecules on the surface.