Employing molecular co-adsorption and switchable molecules for increasing structural complexity in self-assembly on dielectric substrates

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Angelika Kühnle
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2005 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5449045

Molecular self-assembly on surfaces represents a promising strategy for creating future molecular devices with tailor-made properties and functionality. While molecular selfassembly has been studied extensively on metallic surfaces, the investigation of molecular interactions with dielectric surfaces is still in its infancy. Within the first part of this Emmy Noether-project, atomically resolved images of dielectric substrate surfaces were obtained. We deposited various organic molecules and observed individual molecules, extended molecular structures as well as uni-directional growth on different dielectric substrates. This application directly builds on the achievements obtained in the fist part of the project. The focus of this project is on exploring molecular structure formation upon coadsorption of organic molecules on truly insulating substrates. Molecular co-adsorption provides further flexibility and control in molecular self-assembly, allowing for precise tuning of structural properties. Complementary molecules will be studied as well as molecules known for building extended networks that can serve as host for further guest molecules. Another promising approach for creating novel molecular structures is deposition of molecular species that can change conformation after self-assembly. In this project, switchable molecules will be investigated and light- and voltage-pulse induced conformational changes will be explored.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups