Rational design of molecular self-assemblies: A platform for nanotechnology

In order to create surface patterns, planar molecules with extended pi-conjugated systems have found particularly wide use because they tend to bond in a flat-lying geometry, which allows functional groups at the molecule periphery to approach each other easily and to engage into non covalent interactions, predominantly hydrogen bonds [J.V. Barth et al., 2005]. In this work, we developed an original approach, based on a new molecular unit designed both in order to act as a functional group used as a dasiaclippsila between neighboring molecules, and to pattern 2D supra-molecular architectures into specific arrangements. The opportunity to reach multiple and tunable topologies is evidenced by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). All these results allow to establish molecular engineering rules for designing new nanostructures, opening interesting perspectives for applications in various domains of nanotechnology such as nanoelectronics.