Kinetic Instabilities in the Growth of One Dimensional Molecular Nanostructures

Abstract

We develop a theory for the growth of one dimensional (1D) chains stabilized by anisotropic interactions, such as hydrogen bonding. Molecular chains are nucleated, grow, and may then undergo a kinetically driven transition to a two dimensional morphology. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations show that extended 1D growth occurs between two temperature limits determined by two distinct kinetic instabilities. The limiting temperatures depend on interaction strength and deposition rate and, for a certain parameter range, 1D growth is completely suppressed.