Bicomponent Supramolecular Architectures at the Vacuum-Solid Interface

Abstract

This review aims at giving the readers the basic concepts needed to understand two-dimensional bimolecular organizations at the vacuum-solid interface. The first part describes and analyzes molecules-molecules and molecules-substrates interactions. The current limitations and needs in the understanding of these forces are also detailed. Then, a critical analysis of the past and recent advances in the field is presented by discussing most of the key papers describing bicomponents self-assembly on solid surface in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. These sections are organized by considering decreasing molecule-molecule interaction strengths (i.e. starting from strong directional multiple H bonds up to weaker nondirectional bonds taking into account the increasing fundamental role played by the surface). Finally, we conclude with some research directions (predicting self-assembly, multi-components systems, and nonmetallic surfaces) and potential applications (porous networks and organic surfaces).