Two-Dimensional Metallo-supramolecular Polymerization: Toward Size-Controlled Multi-strand Polymers

Abstract

Multi-strand metallo-supramolecular polymers are self-assembled by pyridyl-functionalized porphyrin derivatives on a Au(111) surface through pyridyl-Cu-pyridyl coordination. Single-molecule-resolved characterization by scanning tunneling microscopy reveals a novel chain-growth polymerization mechanism for multi-strand supramolecular polymers. Furthermore, by varying the growth temperature and adding specific molecular modulators, both the length and the width of the polymers can be controlled.