Advances in single-molecule magnet surface patterning through microcontact printing

We present an implementation of strategies to deposit single-molecule magnets (SMMs) using microcontact printing (mu CP). We describe different approaches of mu CP to print stripes of a sulfur-functionalized dodecamanganese(III,IV) cluster on gold surfaces. Comparison by atomic force microscopy profile analysis of the patterned structures confirms the formation of a chemically stable single layer of SMMs. Images based on chemical contrast, obtained by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, confirm the patterned structure.