Manipulation of thin film assemblies: Recent progress and novel concepts

Manipulation of self-assembly processes to construct predesigned supramolecular architectures in a controllable manner is of utmost importance in the field of nanotechnology for the development of application-oriented devices. We here summarize recent progress in the current strategies for the manipulation of thin film assemblies on solid surfaces and at interfaces, as well as in freestanding thin film structures. We also highlight our recent progress including a description of the concept of hand-operating nanotechnology for controlling thin film assemblies at dynamic interfaces. This review is organized into three sections: (i) functionalization and manipulation of solid surfaces to assist molecular self-assembly; (ii) manipulation of freestanding ultrathin films by self-assembly; and (iii) molecular assembly at dynamic interfaces.