Two-dimensional molecular networks at the solid/liquid interface and the role of alkyl chains in their building blocks

Nanoarchitectonics has attracted increasing attention owing to its potential applications in nanomachines, nanoelectronics, catalysis, and nanopatterning, which can contribute overcoming global problems related energy environment, among others. However, the fabrication of ordered nanoarchitectures remains a challenge, even two dimensions. Therefore, deeper understanding self-assembly processes substantial factors for building structures is critical tailoring flexible desirable nanoarchitectures. Scanning tunneling microscopy powerful tool revealing molecular conformations, arrangements, orientations two-dimensional (2D) networks on surfaces. The 2D assemblies involves non-covalent interactions that play significant role arrangement orientation. Among interactions, dispersion derive from alkyl chain units are believed be weak. chains an important adsorption onto substrates, as well in-plane intermolecular interactions. In this review, we focus formation at solid/liquid interface. effects introduced together with examples documented past decades.