Transformation of self-assembly of a TTF derivative at the 1-phenyloctane/HOPG interface studied by STM-from a nanoporous network to a linear structure

The self-assembly of a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivative (EDTTF) and a 1,3,5-tris(10-carboxydecyloxy)-benzene (TCDB) heterobilayer nanostructure at the 1-phenyloctane/HOPG interface under ambient conditions has been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). EDTTF and TCDB could co-assemble into a brand new hexagonal network with one of the largest nano-cavities. Finally, the nanoporous network would transform into a more stable linear structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to reveal the formation mechanism.