Two-dimensional molecular patterning by surface-enhanced Zn-porphyrin coordination

Role of the Supporting Surface in the Thermodynamics and Cooperativity of Axial Ligand Binding to Metalloporphyrins at Interfaces

Abstract:

: Metalloporphyrins have been shown to bind axial ligands in a variety of environments including the vacuum/solid and solution/solid interfaces. Understanding the dynamics of such interactions is a desideratum for the design and implementation of next generation molecular devices which draw inspiration from biological systems to accomplish diverse tasks such as molecular sensing, electron transport, and catalysis to name a few. In this article, we review the current literature of axial ligand coordination to surface-supported porphyrin receptors. We will focus on the coordination process as monitored by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) that can yield qualitative and quantitative information on the dynamics and binding affinity at the single molecule level. In particular, we will address the role of the substrate and intermolecular interactions in influencing cooperative effects (positive or negative) in the binding affinity of adjacent molecules based on experimental evidence and theoretical calculations.

Molecular-Scale Chemical Imaging of the Orientation of an On-Surface Coordination Complex by Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Metal-organic coordination structures at interfaces play an essential role in many biological and chemical systems. Understanding the molecular specificity, orientation, and spatial distribution of the coordination complexes at the nanometer scale is of great importance for effective molecular engineering of nanostructures and fabrication of functional devices with controllable properties. However, fundamental properties of such coordination systems are still rarely studied directly. In this work, we present a spectroscopic approach on the basis of tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to investigate cobalt(II) tetraphenyl-porphyrine coordination species on the scale of a single molecule under ambient conditions. Coordination species anchored on gold surfaces modified with pyridine thiol self-assembled monolayers can be spectroscopically distinguished and mapped with ca. 2 nm resolution. In addition, in combination with density functional theory simulations, the adsorption configuration and molecular orientation of the coordination complexes are also revealed using TERS imaging.

Stepwise Adsorption of Alkoxy-Pyrene Derivatives onto a Lamellar, Non-Porous Naphthalenediimide-Template on HOPG

The development of new strategies for the preparation of multicomponent supramolecular assemblies is a major challenge on the road to complex functional molecular systems. Here we present the use of a non-porous self-assembled monolayer from uC₃₃ -NDI-uC₃₃ , a naphthalenediimide symmetrically functionalized with unsaturated 33 carbon-atom-chains, to prepare bicomponent supramolecular surface systems with a series of alkoxy-pyrene (PyrOR) derivatives at the liquid/HOPG interface. While previous attempts at directly depositing many of these PyrOR units at the liquid/HOPG interface failed, the multicomponent approach through the uC₃₃ -NDI-uC₃₃ template enabled control over molecular interactions and facilitated adsorption. The PyrOR deposition restructured the initial uC₃₃ -NDI-uC₃₃ monolayer, causing an expansion in two dimensions to accommodate the guests. As far as we know, this represents the first example of a non-porous or non-metal complex-bearing monolayer that allows the stepwise formation of multicomponent supramolecular architectures on surfaces.

Precise Spin Manipulation of Single Molecule Positioning on Graphene by Coordination Chemistry

Precise spin manipulation of single molecules is crucial for future molecular spintronics. However, it has been a formidable challenge due to the complexities of the strong molecule-substrate coupling as well as the response of the molecule to external stimulus. Here we demonstrate by density functional theory calculations that precise spin manipulation can be achieved by extra CO and NO molecules coordination to transition metal phthalocyanine (TMPc) (TM = Co, Fe, Mn) molecules deposited on metal-supported graphene; the spins of TMPc molecules are switched from S to S - ¹/₂ (|S - 1|) after NO (CO) coordination. With the aid of a combination of molecular orbitals (MO) theory and recently developed principal interacting spin-orbital (PISO) analysis, the impacts of NO and CO coordinations on both adsorption configuration and spin polarization of TMPc are well elucidated. We reveal the different coordination geometries that CO always coordinates axially to the TM center with a linear geometry, while NO prefers a bent geometry, which can be attributed to the competition between the σ- and π-type interactions according to the PISO analysis. Particularly, the NO-MnPc complex adopts a bent geometry deviating from the prediction by the existing Enemark-Feltham formalism. In addition, MO analysis suggests that during the CO coordination, the simultaneous existence of σ-donation and π-back-donation promotes electrons flowing from the d_z² to partially occupied d_π (d_xz and d_xz) orbitals with subsequent reordering of the TM d-orbitals, resulting in the spin transition of S → |S - 1|. In comparison, given that NO is regarded as NO^- when it adopts a bent geometry coordinating to the TM center, the complete (CoPc) or partial (FePc and MnPc) quenching of the molecular spins caused by NO coordination is attributed to the electron transfer from TM to NO. These theoretical findings provide important insights into relevant experiments and offer an effective design strategy to realize underlying single-molecular spintronics devices integrated with two-dimensional materials.

Quantifying reversible nitrogenous ligand binding to Co(ii) porphyrin receptors at the solution/solid interface and in solution

We present a quantitative study comparing the binding of 4-methoxypyridine, MeOPy, ligand to Co(ii)octaethylporphyrin, CoOEP, at the phenyloctane/HOPG interface and in toluene solution. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to study the ligand binding to the porphyrin receptors adsorbed on graphite. Electronic spectroscopy was employed for examining this process in fluid solution. The on surface coordination reaction was completely reversible and followed a simple Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Ligand affinities (or ΔG) for the binding processes in the two different chemical environments were determined from the respective equilibrium constants. The free energy value of -13.0 ± 0.3 kJ mol^-1 for the ligation reaction of MeOPy to CoOEP at the solution/HOPG interface is less negative than the ΔG for cobalt porphyrin complexed to the ligand in solution, -16.8 ± 0.2 kJ mol^-1. This result indicates that the MeOPy-CoOEP complex is more stable in solution than on the surface. Additional thermodynamic values for the formation of the surface ligated species (ΔH_c = -50 kJ mol^-1 and ΔS_c = -120 J mol^-1) were extracted from temperature dependent STM measurements. Density functional computational methods were also employed to explore the energetics of both the solution and surface reactions. At high concentrations of MeOPy the monolayer was observed to be stripped from the surface. Computational results indicate that this is not because of a reduction in adsorption energy of the MeOPy-CoOEP complex. Nearest neighbor analysis of the MeOPy-CoOEP in the STM images revealed positive cooperative ligand binding behavior. Our studies bring new insights to the general principles of affinity and cooperativity in the ligand-receptor interactions at the solution/solid interface. Future applications of STM will pave the way for new strategies designing highly functional multisite receptor systems for sensing, catalysis, and pharmacological applications.

Single molecule level studies of reversible ligand binding to metal porphyrins at the solution/solid interface

Ligands bind reversibly to metal porphyrins in processes such as molecular recognition, electron transport and catalysis. These chemically relevant processes are ubiquitous in biology and are important in technological applications. In this article, we focus on the current advances in ligand binding to metal porphyrin receptors noncovalently bound at the solution/solid interface. In particular, we restrict ourselves to studies at the single molecule level. Dynamics of the binding/dissociation process can be monitored by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and can yield both qualitative and quantitative information about ligand binding affinity and the energetics that define a particular ligation reaction. Molecular and time dependent imaging can establish whether the process under study is at equilibrium. Ligand-concentration-dependent studies have been used to determine adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic data for processes occurring at the solution/solid interface. In several binding reactions, the solid support acted as an electron-donating fifth coordination site, thereby significantly changing the metal porphyrin receptor’s affinity for exogenous ligands. Supporting calculations provide insight into the metalloporphyrin/support and ligand–metalloporphyrin/support interactions and their energetics.

Alkynyl Linkers as a Design Tool to Gain Control over the Self-Assembly of Meso-Substituted Porphyrins on HOPG

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) fall generally into two broad categories: those that are covalently bound either to the surface or to each other and those that rely on weaker forces such as hydrogen bonding or van der Waals forces. The engineering of the structure of SAMs formed from weaker forces is an exciting and complex field that often utilizes long alkane substituents bound to core moieties. The core provides the unique optical, electronic, or catalytic property desired, while the interdigitation of the alkane chains provides the means for creating well-regulated patterns of cores on the substrate. This design technique sometimes fails because some of the alkane substituents remain extended into solution rather than become interdigitated on the substrate. One contributor to this is steric hindrance between elements of the core and of the alkane chain. It is shown that the use of an alkyne linker between the core and the alkane chain can, in the case of meso-substituted porphyrins, significantly reduce this steric barrier and allow more stable and predictable surface structures to form. In particular, 5,15-bis(1-octynyl)porphyrin and 5,15-bis(1-tetradecynyl)porphyrin are shown to form significantly more stable SAMs than their alkane-linked counterparts. Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to provide detailed surface structures. Temperature and solution concentration dependence of the surface coverage is also reported. Density functional theory (DFT) is used to determine the energetic effects associated with alkane substitution at both the meso and β positions and the beneficial energetic effects of the alkyne linker.

Assignment of the Absolute-Handedness Chirality of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Organic Molecule Supramolecular Structures

Supramolecular structures of organic molecules on planar nanocarbon surfaces, such as highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), have been extensively studied and the factors that control them are generally well-established. In contrast, the properties of supramolecular structures on curved nanocarbon surfaces like carbon nanotubes remain challenging to predict and/or to understand. This paper reports an investigation into the first study of the supramolecular structures of 5,15-bisdodecylporphyrin (C12P) on chiral, concentrated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs; with right-handed helix P- and left-handed helix M-) surfaces using STM. Furthermore, the study is the first of its kind to experimentally assign the absolute-handedness chirality of SWNTs, as well as to understand their effect on the supramolecular structures of organic molecules on their surfaces. Interestingly, these SWNT enantiomers resulted in supramolecular structures of opposite chirality based on the handedness chirality. With molecular modelling, we predicted the absolute-handedness chirality of SWNTs, before demonstrating this experimentally.

Bottom-Up Self-Assembled Supramolecular Structures Built by STM at the Solid/Liquid Interface

One of the lines of research on organic devices is focused on their miniaturization to obtain denser and faster electronic circuits. The challenge is to build devices adding atom by atom or molecule by molecule until the desired structures are achieved. To do this job, techniques able to see and manipulate matter at this scale are needed. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been the selected technique by scientists to develop smart and functional unimolecular devices. This review article compiles the latest developments in this field giving examples of supramolecular systems monitored and fabricated at the molecular scale by bottom-up approaches using STM at the solid/liquid interface.

Macroscopically Anisotropic Structures Produced by Light-induced Solvothermal Assembly of Porphyrin Dimers

Porphyrin-based molecules play an important role in natural biological systems such as photosynthetic antennae and haemoglobin. Recent organic chemistry provides artificial porphyrin-based molecules having unique electronic and optical properties, which leads to wide applications in material science. Here, we successfully produced many macroscopically anisotropic structures consisting of porphyrin dimers by light-induced solvothermal assembly with smooth evaporation in a confined volatile organic solvent. Light-induced fluid flow around a bubble on a gold nanofilm generated a sub-millimetre radial assembly of the tens-micrometre-sized petal-like structures. The optical properties of the petal-like structures depend on the relative angle between their growth direction and light polarisation, as confirmed by UV-visible extinction and the Raman scattering spectroscopy analyses, being dramatically different from those of structures obtained by natural drying. Thus, our findings pave the way to the production of structures and polycrystals with unique characteristics from various organic molecules.

Self-Assembled Two-Dimensional Supramolecular Networks Characterized by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy in Air and under Vacuum

We combine ambient (air) and ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) investigations together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to gain a subnanometer insight into the structure and dynamic of two-dimensional (2D) surface-supported molecular networks. The planar tetraferrocene-porphyrin molecules employed in this study undergo spontaneous self-assembly via the formation of hydrogen bonded networks at the gold substrate-solution interface. To mimic liquid phase ambient deposition conditions, film formation was accomplished in UHV by electro-spraying a solution of the molecule in chloroform onto an Au(111) substrate, thereby providing access to the full spectroscopic capabilities of STM that can be hardly attained under ambient conditions. We show that molecular assembly on Au (111) is identical in films prepared under the two different conditions, and in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. However, we observe the contrast found for a given STM bias condition to be different in ambient and UHV conditions despite the similarity of the structures, and we propose possible origins of the different imaging contrast. This approach could be valuable for the thorough characterization of surface systems that involve large molecules and are prepared mainly in ambient conditions.

Supramolecular Loop Stitches of Discrete Block Molecules on Graphite: Tunable Hydrophobicity by Naphthalenediimide End-Capped Oligodimethylsiloxane

The noncovalent functionalization of surfaces has gained widespread interest in the scientific community, and it is progressively becoming an extremely productive research field offering brand new directions for both supramolecular and materials chemistry. As the end-groups often play a dominant role in the surface properties obtained, creating loops with end-groups only at the surface will lead to unexpected architectures and hence properties. Here we report the self-assembly of discrete block molecules-structures in-between block copolymers and liquid crystals-featuring oligodimethylsiloxanes (ODMS) end-capped with naphthalenediimides (NDIs) at the 1-phenyloctane/highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (1-PO/HOPG) interface. These structures produce unprecedented vertically nanophase-separated monolayers featuring NDI moieties that regularly arrange on the HOPG surface, while the highly dynamic ODMS segments form loops above them. Such arrangement is preserved upon drying and generates hydrophobic HOPG substrates in which the ODMS block length tunes the hydrophobicity. Thus, the exact structural fidelity of the discrete macromolecules allows for the correlation of nanoscopic organization with macroscopic properties of the self-assembled materials. We present a general strategy for tunable hydrophobic coatings on graphite based on molecularly combining crystalline aromatic moieties and immiscible oligodimethylsiloxanes.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Control in Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine Self-Assembled Monolayers

Porphyrins and phthalocyanines are ubiquitous in modern science and technology. Their stability, redox properties, and photoresponse make them candidates for numerous applications. Many of these applications rely on thin films, and these are critically dependent on the first monolayer. In this article, we focus on noncovalently bound self-assembled monolayers of porphyrins and phthalocyanines at the solution-solid interface with special emphasis on the kinetic and thermodynamic processes that define the films and their reaction chemistry. We first discuss the difference between film-formation kinetics and desorption kinetics from fully formed films. We then present evidence that many of these monolayers are controlled by adsorption kinetics and are not in thermodynamic equilibrium. Measurement of the solution-solid interface desorption energy by scanning tunneling microscopy is discussed, and data is presented for cobalt, nickel, and free base octaethylporphyrin. The activation energy for the desorption of these compounds into phenyloctane is about half of the computed desorption energy in vacuum, and this is discussed in terms of the role of the solvent. Preexponential factors are very low compared to desorption into vacuum, and this is attributed to a reduction in the entropy of activation due to the participation of solvent in the transition state. An example of the use of relative desorption kinetics to create a new binary surface structure is given. It is suggested that this is a synthesis route that may have been missed because of the large difference in solution concentrations required to drive binary film formation. Attention then turns to the axial reaction chemistry of metalloporphyrins and metallophthalocyanines supported on conducting surfaces. We show several examples of chemistry unique to the supported complexes: cases where the metal binds ligands more readily and cases where the substrate induces ligand loss. Understanding this new axial coordination chemistry is of great importance in catalysis, sensing, and the growth of 3D materials from a self-assembled template.

How Equilibrium Gets Mimicked During Kinetic and Thermodynamic Control in Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine Self-Assembled Monolayers

The recent review of Hipps and Mazur is extended to consider the origins and significance of their conclusion that "surface structures vary with relative component concentration in a way that may mimic equilibria but is not". How this situation can arise during self-assembly is discussed, as well as a range of qualitative and quantitative observations and high-level free-energy calculations that document the effect for meso-tetraalkylporphyrins self-assembled monolayer (SAM) polymorphs. This leads to a discussion of modern challenges facing quantification of the effects caused by kinetic control, as well as to the usefulness of equilibrium mimicking in the design and synthesis of SAMs.

Probing the in-air growth of large area of 3D functional structures into a 2D supramolecular nanoporous network

2D host–guest chemistry combined with drop-casting allows to trap functionalized 3D Zn–phthalocyanine complex into a large 2D porous supramolecular template.

Spatial and Lateral Control of Functionality by Rigid Molecular Platforms

Surface mounted molecular devices have received significant attention in the scientific community because of their unique ability to construct functional materials. The key involves the platform on which the molecular device works on solid substrates, such as in solid-liquid or solid-vacuum interfaces. Here, we outline the concept of rigid molecular platforms to immobilize active functionality atop flat surfaces in a controllable manner. Most of these (multipodal) platforms have at least three anchoring groups to control the spatial arrangement of the protruding functional moieties and form mechanically stable and electronically tuned contacts to the underlying substrate. Another approach is based on employing of flat aromatic scaffolds bearing perpendicular functionalities that form stable lateral assemblies on various surfaces. Emphasis is placed on the need for controllable assembly and separation of these tailor-made molecules that expose functionalities at the molecular scale. The discussions are focused on the different molecular designs realizing functional 3D architectures on surfaces, the role of various anchoring strategies to control the spatial arrangement, and structural considerations controlling physical features like the coupling to the surface or the available space for sterically demanding molecular operations.

Host-Guest Chemistry in Integrated Porous Space Formed by Molecular Self-Assembly at Liquid-Solid Interfaces

Host-guest chemistry in two-dimensional (2D) space, that is, physisorbed monolayers of a single atom or a single molecular thickness on surfaces, has become a subject of intense current interest because of perspectives for various applications in molecular-scale electronics, selective sensors, and tailored catalysis. Scanning tunneling microscopy has been used as a powerful tool for the visualization of molecules in real space on a conducting substrate surface. For more than a decade, we have been investigating the self-assembly of a series of triangle-shaped phenylene-ethynylene macrocycles called dehydrobenzo[12]annulenes (DBAs). These molecules are substituted with six alkyl chains and are capable of forming hexagonal porous 2D molecular networks via van der Waals interactions between interdigitated alkyl chains at the interface of organic solvents and graphite. The dimension of the nanoporous space or nanowell formed by the self-assembly of DBAs can be controlled from 1.6 to 4.7 nm by simply changing the alkyl chain length from C₆ to C₂₀. Single molecules as well as homoclusters and heteroclusters are capable of coadsorbing within the host matrix using shape- and size-complementarity principles. Moreover, on the basis of the versatility of the DBA molecules that allows chemical modification of the alkyl chain terminals, we were able to decorate the interior space of the nanoporous networks with functional groups such as azobenzenedicarboxylic acid for photoresponsive guest adsorption/desorption or fluoroalkanes and tetraethylene glycol groups for selective guest binding by electrostatic interactions and zinc-porphyrin units for complexation with a guest by charge-transfer interactions. In this Feature Article, we describe the general aspects of molecular self-assembly at liquid/solid interfaces, followed by the formation of programmed porous molecular networks using rationally designed molecular building blocks. We focus on our own work involving host-guest chemistry in integrated nanoporous space that is modified for specific purposes.

Construction of cyclic arrays of Zn-porphyrin units and their guest binding at the solid-liquid interface

Cyclic arrays consisting of six zinc-porphyrin units are constructed by the supramolecular self-assembly of a dehydrobenzo[12]-annulene derivative having three zinc porphyrin units at the liquid/graphite interface. Binding with C₆₀ furnishes cyclic hexameric arrays of the complexes on the surface.

Metal dependent motif transition in a self-assembled monolayer of bipyridine derivatives via coordination: An STM study

Low-dimensional molecular motifs with diversity developed via the on-surface chemistry are attracting growing interest for their potential in advanced nanofabrication. In this work, scanning tunneling microscopy was employed to investigate the in situ and ex situ metal coordinations between 4,4'-ditetradecyl-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and Zn(ii) or Cu(ii) ions at a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)/1-phenyloctane interface under ambient conditions. The results demonstrate that the bpy adopts a flat-lying orientation with its substituted alkyl chains in a tail-to-tail arrangement in a bpy monolayer. For the in situ coordination, the bpy/Zn(ii) and bpy/Cu(ii) complexes are aligned in edge-on fashions, wherein the bpy stands vertically on the HOPG surface and interdigitates at the alkyl chains. In the two-dimensional arrays of ex situ coordinated complexes, metal dependent motifs have been observed with Zn(ii) and Cu(ii), wherein the bipyridine moieties are parallel to the graphite surface. These results suggest that the desired on-surface coordination architectures may be achieved by the intentional selection of the metal centers.

Molecular design driving tetraporphyrin self-assembly on graphite: a joint STM, electrochemical and computational study

Tuning the intermolecular interactions among suitably designed molecules forming highly ordered self-assembled monolayers is a viable approach to control their organization at the supramolecular level. Such a tuning is particularly important when applied to sophisticated molecules combining functional units which possess specific electronic properties, such as electron/energy transfer, in order to develop multifunctional systems. Here we have synthesized two tetraferrocene-porphyrin derivatives that by design can selectively self-assemble at the graphite/liquid interface into either face-on or edge-on monolayer-thick architectures. The former supramolecular arrangement consists of two-dimensional planar networks based on hydrogen bonding among adjacent molecules whereas the latter relies on columnar assembly generated through intermolecular van der Waals interactions. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) at the solid-liquid interface has been corroborated by cyclic voltammetry measurements and assessed by theoretical calculations to gain multiscale insight into the arrangement of the molecule with respect to the basal plane of the surface. The STM analysis allowed the visualization of these assemblies with a sub-nanometer resolution, and cyclic voltammetry measurements provided direct evidence of the interactions of porphyrin and ferrocene with the graphite surface and offered also insight into the dynamics within the face-on and edge-on assemblies. The experimental findings were supported by theoretical calculations to shed light on the electronic and other physical properties of both assemblies. The capability to engineer the functional nanopatterns through self-assembly of porphyrins containing ferrocene units is a key step toward the bottom-up construction of multifunctional molecular nanostructures and nanodevices.

Surface directed reversible imidazole ligation to nickel(ii) octaethylporphyrin at the solution/solid interface: a single molecule level study

STM and DFT calculations are used to study the reversible binding of imidazole to NiOEP supported on HOPG in solution.

Putting David Craig’s Legacy to Work in Nanotechnology and Biotechnology

David Craig (1919–2015) left us with a lasting legacy concerning basic understanding of chemical spectroscopy and bonding. This is expressed in terms of some of the recent achievements of my own research career, with a focus on integration of Craig’s theories with those of Noel Hush to solve fundamental problems in photosynthesis, molecular electronics (particularly in regard to the molecules synthesized by Maxwell Crossley), and self-assembled monolayer structure and function. Reviewed in particular is the relation of Craig’s legacy to: the 50-year struggle to assign the visible absorption spectrum of arguably the world’s most significant chromophore, chlorophyll; general theories for chemical bonding and structure extending Hush’s adiabatic theory of electron-transfer processes; inelastic electron-tunnelling spectroscopy (IETS); chemical quantum entanglement and the Penrose–Hameroff model for quantum consciousness; synthetic design strategies for NMR quantum computing; Gibbs free-energy measurements and calculations for formation and polymorphism of organic self-assembled monolayers on graphite surfaces from organic solution; and understanding the basic chemical processes involved in the formation of gold surfaces and nanoparticles protected by sulfur-bound ligands, ligands whose form is that of Au0-thiyl rather than its commonly believed AuI-thiolate tautomer.

A priori calculations of the free energy of formation from solution of polymorphic self-assembled monolayers

Modern quantum chemical electronic structure methods typically applied to localized chemical bonding are developed to predict atomic structures and free energies for meso-tetraalkylporphyrin self-assembled monolayer (SAM) polymorph formation from organic solution on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite surfaces. Large polymorph-dependent dispersion-induced substrate-molecule interactions (e.g., -100 kcal mol(-1) to -150 kcal mol(-1) for tetratrisdecylporphyrin) are found to drive SAM formation, opposed nearly completely by large polymorph-dependent dispersion-induced solvent interactions (70-110 kcal mol(-1)) and entropy effects (25-40 kcal mol(-1) at 298 K) favoring dissolution. Dielectric continuum models of the solvent are used, facilitating consideration of many possible SAM polymorphs, along with quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical and dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations. These predict and interpret newly measured and existing high-resolution scanning tunnelling microscopy images of SAM structure, rationalizing polymorph formation conditions. A wide range of molecular condensed matter properties at room temperature now appear suitable for prediction and analysis using electronic structure calculations.

Electrostatic-interaction-induced molecular deposition of a hybrid bilayer on Au(111): a scanning tunneling microscopy study

Hybrid bilayers consisting of 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (HPTS) and meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphine (TPyP) have been successfully constructed on Au(111) and investigated by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (ECSTM). Under the guidance of the electrostatic interaction between negatively charged sulfonate groups and positively charged pyridyl groups, the underlying HPTS arrays act as templates for the deposition of cationic TPyPs, forming two types of TPyP/HPTS complex bilayers. The present work provides a feasible way to fabricate hybrid multilayers on the electrode surface via electrostatic interaction, which has great significance for the design of molecular nanodevices.

One plus two: supramolecular coordination in a nano-reactor on surface

The supramolecular coordination of zinc (II) phthalocyanine (Zn-Pc) with V-shaped bi-pyridine in a nano-reactor is probed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at liquid/solid interface. Combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, our STM results show that the V-shaped bi-pyridine and Zn-Pc can generate stable “odd-even” patterned architectures in the TCDB network through a two-step coordination process. Moreover, great changes for the size and the shape of the host cavity have happened during the coordination process. In general, the whole coordination process is regulated by the synergies of ligand and template. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work on imaging of supramolecular coordination in a nano-reactor. Such a template-regulated supramolecular interconversion opens a new avenue towards the crystal engineering and design as well as the generation of controllable nano-patterns.

Stepwise preparation and characterization of molecular wires made of zinc octaethylporphyrin complexes bridged by 4,4'-bipyridine on HOPG

Molecular-scale devices can be made using a step-by-step procedure, in a controllable and highly versatile way. In this report, we describe the growth of molecular wires (MW) from zinc (II) octaethylporphyrin (ZnOEP) assembled on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) by a step-by-step approach using 4,4'-bipyridine (BP) to bridge the porphyrin units, via coordination of the nitrogen atom to zinc. In order to gain an insight into the molecular self-organization of these wires, we carried out a detailed scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) analysis of each monolayer, using a solid/liquid interface technique, up to a complete ZnOEP/BP/ZnOEP/BP/ZnOEP-assembled structure. The electrical properties of the MWs were assessed by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) and by current-sensing atomic force microscopy (CS-AFM), showing an increase of electrical resistance with the length of the MW.

DABCO as a dynamic hinge between cofacial porphyrin panels and its tumbling inside a supramolecular cavity

The heteroleptic supramolecular double-decker porphyrin 1 was synthesized with DABCO as a guest between two cofacial porphyrin units as characterized by (1)H NMR and ESI-MS. While DABCO is not seen to tumble inside the cavity, even at higher temperatures (80 °C), such motion was triggered upon addition of various coordinating ligands (quinuclidine, 4-bromopyridine, or excess of DABCO). Different stoichiometric amounts were needed depending on the n donor quality of the added ligands to initiate tumbling of the "inside" DABCO. As demonstrated in an example with excess DABCO, the tumbling was stopped by lowering the temperature to -50 °C.

Little exchange at the liquid/solid interface: defect-mediated equilibration of physisorbed porphyrin monolayers

The transition from low to high density 2D surface structures of copper porphyrins at a liquid/solid interface requires specific defects at which nearly all exchange of physisorbed molecules with those dissolved in the supernatant occurs.

Controlled templating of porphyrins by a molecular command layer

The copper porphyrin (5,10,15,20-tetraundecylporphyrinato)copper(II) can be templated in a well-defined arrangement using p-(hexadecyloxycarbonyl)phenylacetylene as a command layer on graphite. The bicomponent system was characterized at the submolecular level at a solid/liquid interface by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). It is proposed that the layer of copper porphyrins is templated on top of the command layer in a hierarchical fashion, via a combination of intermolecular π-π stacking and van der Waals interactions. A very subtle effect, i.e., a superstructure in the alkyl chain region of the phenylacetylene monolayers, was identified as a decisive factor for the templating process.

Atomic-Resolution Kinked Structure of an Alkylporphyrin on Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite

The atomic structure of the chains of an alkyl porphyrin (5,10,15,20-tetranonadecylporphyrin) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) at the solid/liquid interface of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and 1-phenyloctane is resolved using calibrated scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), density functional theory (DFT) image simulations, and ONIOM-based geometry optimizations. While atomic structures are often readily determined for porphyrin SAMs, the determination of the structure of alkyl-chain connections has not previously been possible. A graphical calibration procedure is introduced, allowing accurate observation of SAM lattice parameters, and, of the many possible atomic structures modeled, only the lowest-energy structure obtained was found to predict the observed lattice parameters and image topography. Hydrogen atoms are shown to provide the conduit for the tunneling current through the alkyl chains.

Discriminative response of surface-confined metalloporphyrin molecules to carbon and nitrogen monoxide

The binding of small gas molecules to metalloporphyrins is of both fundamental scientific and technological interest. It plays a key role in the transport of respiratory gases, catalytic processes in biological systems, and artificial nanostructures for sensing. Here, we present a detailed molecular-level investigation regarding the interaction of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) with metallo-tetraphenylporphyrin (M-TPP, M = Co, Fe) arrays, anchored on a noble metal Ag(111) surface, providing M-TPP species with a distinct saddle-shape conformation. Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy experiments reveal that the impact of CO and NO is strikingly different on both species. In the case of CO, the M-TPP core can be dressed by either one or two carbon monoxide ligands, whereby the porphyrin geometric and electronic structure remains nearly unaffected. In contrast, following NO exposure exclusively a mononitrosyl species evolves. The NO axial ligation induces a relaxation of the adsorption-induced molecular deformation and markedly modifies the electronic structure of the porphyrin.

Porphyrins as Molecular Electronic Components of Functional Devices

The proposal that molecules can perform electronic functions in devices such as diodes, rectifiers, wires, capacitors, or serve as functional materials for electronic or magnetic memory, has stimulated intense research across physics, chemistry, and engineering for over 35 years. Because biology uses porphyrins and metalloporphyrins as catalysts, small molecule transporters, electrical conduits, and energy transducers in photosynthesis, porphyrins are an obvious class of molecules to investigate for molecular electronic functions. Of the numerous kinds of molecules under investigation for molecular electronics applications, porphyrins and their related macrocycles are of particular interest because they are robust and their electronic properties can be tuned by chelation of a metal ion and substitution on the macrocycle. The other porphyrinoids have equally variable and adjustable photophysical properties, thus photonic applications are potentiated. At least in the near term, realistic architectures for molecular electronics will require self-organization or nanoprinting on surfaces. This review concentrates on self-organized porphyrinoids as components of working electronic devices on electronically active substrates with particular emphasis on the effect of surface, molecular design, molecular orientation and matrix on the detailed electronic properties of single molecules.

Towards supramolecular engineering of functional nanomaterials: pre-programming multi-component 2D self-assembly at solid-liquid interfaces

Materials with a pre-programmed order at the supramolecular level can be engineered with a sub-nanometer precision making use of reversible non- covalent interactions. The intrinsic ability of supramolecular materials to recognize and exchange their constituents makes them constitutionally dynamic materials. The tailoring of the materials properties relies on the full control over the self-assembly behavior of molecular modules exposing recognition sites and incorporating functional units. In this review we focus on three classes of weak-interactions to form complex 2D architectures starting from properly designed molecular modules: van der Waals, metallo-ligand and hydrogen bonding. Scanning tunneling microscopy studies will provide evidence with a sub-nanometer resolution, on the formation of responsive multicomponent architectures with controlled geometries and properties. Such endeavor enriches the scientist capability of generating more and more complex smart materials featuring controlled functions and unprecedented properties.