Substrate tuned reconstructed polymerization of naphthalocyanine on Ag(110)

The linkage structures between monomers make great influence on the properties of polymers. The synthesis of some special linkage structures can be challenging, which is often overcome by employing special reaction conditions. Here,we build dihydropentalene linkage in poly-naphthalocyanine on Ag(110) surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) measurements confirm the dihydropentalenelinkage structure and a possible formation path with reconstruction steps is proposed. The controlled experiment on Ag(100) surface shows no dihydropentalene structures formed, which indicates the grooved substrate is necessary for the reconstruction. This work provides insights into the surface restricted reactions that can yield special structures in organic polymers.

Automated summary

The linkage structures between monomers have significant impacts on the properties of polymers. In this study, the dihydropentalene linkage structure in poly-naphthalocyanine on Ag(110) surface was successfully constructed, and a possible formation path with reconstruction steps was proposed. The controlled experiment on Ag(100) surface showed that the grooved substrate is necessary for the formation of dihydropentalene structures. This work provides insights into the surface restricted reactions that can yield special structures in organic polymers.