Formation of a surface covalent organic framework based on polyester condensation

The reaction between 1,3,5-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzene and benzene-1,3,5-tricarbonyl trichloride leads to polyester condensation and formation of a novel COF on an Au(111) surface. The characterization performed in situ by means of variable temperature STM and XPS reveals the formation of an array of hexagonal cavities with ca. 2 nm size.