The electronic and optical properties of a molecular architecture depend on the character of the individual molecules as the building blocks, and how these molecules are connected to each other. It is possible to synthesize a particular type of molecules with a predetermined property and structure such that when the molecules are brought into close contact, they self-assemble into a two-dimensional or a three dimensional molecular architecture that exhibits a desired physical or chemical property. Among the many molecules studied for the purpose of developing model molecular electronic devices, phthalocyanines and porphyrins have attracted particular attentions due to their interesting electronic properties and the possibility of tailoring their properties by molecular engineering. Here we report the formation of single molecular layers of zinc porphyrin molecules on a solid substrate. We show that whilst maintaining the intrinsic property of the molecule itself, we can alter the way the molecules are bonded to one another by adding different side chains to the main frame of the molecule, and hence control the structure of the supramolecular assembly.
References:
H. George, R. E. Palmer, Q. Guo, N. Bampos, J. K. M. Sanders, Surf. Sci. 2006, 600, 3274. |