Switchable molecular self-assemblies at the solid-liquid interface investigated with STM

Supramolecular nanostructures formed at the solid-liquid interface have garnered significant attention due to their promising applications in areas such as life sciences, two-dimensional (2D) crystal engineering, and molecular sensors. The formation of these nanostructures is governed by a complex interplay between solute molecules, solvent properties, substrate characteristics, and external stimuli. Understanding the principles underlying this process is crucial for the design of functional molecular systems on surfaces.

In his thesis, Baoxin Jia used scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) to investigate the self-assembly of carboxyl-functionalized molecules at the solid–liquid interface, and further explored how intermolecular interactions, substrate and solvent effects, and external factors influence the formation of molecular networks at the solid-liquid interface. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of interface-driven nanostructures, paving the way toward their targeted use in functional surface-based applications.

Dissertation: https://hdl.handle.net/11370/5309fa23-8d13-417c-8d9c-327d155754a0