Dynamics of Supramolecular Crystal Growth at the Liquid-Solid Interface Studied via Scanning Tunneling Microscope and the Avrami Equation

We report the study of supramolecular assembling from both experimental and theoretical points of view. A scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) equation were, respectively, used to reveal and to explain the STM-directed self-assembling of p-terphenyl-3,5,3',5'-tetracarboxylic acid (TPTC) at the liquid-solid interface. The Avrami index helps in providing significant information regarding the surface supramolecular crystalline framework. It also helps us to calculate the domains of crystal growth, to distinguish the crystal development to be homogenous or heterogeneous, as well as to identify the dimension of the crystal growth. The JMA equation was also used to evaluate whether (i) the close-packing crystal of TPTC can develop into a single crystal or (ii) the porous networks of TPTC may hinder the close packing to form during its progression.

Automated summary

This study investigates the supramolecular assembling process of TPTC at the liquid-solid interface using both experimental and theoretical approaches. The Avrami index provides valuable information about the surface supramolecular crystalline framework, aiding in calculating crystal growth domains and distinguishing between homogeneous and heterogeneous crystal development. The JMA equation is utilized to evaluate the potential formation of close-packing crystals or porous networks of TPTC during its progression.