Modifying graphene by nanostructuring via molecular self-assembly

This research focuses on using chirality as a tool to study different aspects of supramolecular self-assembly of molecular building blocks on the highly ordered pyrolytic graphic (HOPG), at the liquid-solid interface. A well-known class of molecules in the field of supramolecular assembly on surfaces, alkoxylated dehydrobenzo[12]annulene (DBA) derivatives, are selected as the objects of study, as in addition to the vast amount of information on their self-assembly behavior, protocols are in place to functionalize them. They show a rich phase behavior and, in particular, the low-density porous networks they form are of interest. The investigation of the supramolecular chemistry of chiral DBA derivatives or their mixtures with achiral analogues is central to this work. There are still several open issues in understanding and directing the outcome of supramolecular self-assembly processes on surfaces. The following questions are addressed: 1) What are the dynamics involved and what are the timescales? 2) Can multiple self-assembly pathways act simultaneously and how can one distinguish and control them? 3) What is needed to extend 2D monolayer formation in the third dimension?