High-Throughput Preparation of Supramolecular Nanostructures on Metal Surfaces

One of the contemporary challenges in materials science lies in the rapid materials screening and discovery. Experimental sample libraries can be generated by high-throughput parallel synthesis to map the composition space for rapid material discoveries. Molecular self-assembly on surfaces has proved a useful way to construct nanostructures with interesting topologies or properties. Despite the strong dependence of molecular stoichiometry on the structures, high-throughput preparations of supra molecular surface nanostructures have been far less explored. Here, by integrating a physical mask into the standard ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) molecular preparation system we show a high-throughput approach for preparing supramolecular nanostructures of continuous composition spreads on metal surfaces. The spatially addressable sample libraries of supramolecular self-assemblies are characterized by high-resolution scanning probe microscopy. We could explore different binary nanostructures of varying molecular ratios on one single substrate. Moreover, we use the minimum spanning tree approach to qualitatively and quantitatively study the structural properties of the formed nanostructures. This high-throughput approach may accelerate the screening and exploration of surface-supported, low dimensional nanostructures not limited to supramolecular interactions.

Automated summary

One of the contemporary challenges in materials science is the rapid screening and discovery of materials. High-throughput parallel synthesis can generate experimental sample libraries to facilitate quick material discoveries. Molecular self-assembly on surfaces has proved to be a useful method for constructing nanostructures with interesting properties or topologies. However, high-throughput preparations of supramolecular surface nanostructures have been less explored.