Transformations of Molecular Frameworks by Host-Guest Response: Novel Routes toward Two-Dimensional Self-Assembly at the Solid-Liquid Interface

We review recent new avenues for controlling two-dimensional (2D) self-assembly stabilized by non-covalent interactions. The use of host-guest architectures has opened new pathways for supramolecular self-assembly in two dimensions by immobilizing molecules of interest in 2D nanoporous networks. We also describe how a judicious choice of guest molecule can induce effective changes in host templates. These transformations could enable full control of 2D self-assembly with nanoscale precision, by tuning parameters such as stoichiometry, geometry and non-covalent interactions. This approach is of paramount importance for understanding changes of dimensionality and subsequently the formation of 2D and 3D supramolecular networks and ordered films that can be used as active materials for applications (e. g., electronic devices). (C) 2011 The Japan Society of Applied Physics