Metallic nanostructures from molecular patterns: Going beyond the limits of lithography

Constructing nanopatterned structures of ever decreasing sizes, is a central challenge both to fundamental research and applied technological applications. The key aim of this project is to develop a conceptually new approach towards nanopatterning that combines molecular self-assembly on surfaces with (electro-) metal deposition. In this project robust nanopatterning techniques under wet conditions will be established that go beyond the limits of standard lithographic techniques. This project will be based on three major components. In the first step, self-assembly or self-assembly combined with 2D supramolecular polymerization will be used to create molecular patterns which form open nano-gaps on atomically flat surfaces e.g. MoS2(0001), graphite basal plane (HOPG) and Au(111) surfaces. The molecular patterns obtained will be evaluated for their robustness and stability; factors which are central to determining the quality of the resulting nanostructures. The second step will be developed in parallel with the first step. It will consist of the controlled deposition of metal ions on a flat surface, under wet conditions. Two complementary approaches to form metallic patterns will be developed, specifically electro-deposition and chemical reduction. In the third step the two aforementioned steps will be combined into the single process to build nanoscale molecularly defined hybrid architectures. The molecular patterned surfaces will be applied to the wet deposition of gold. The controlled deposition will take place inside preformed nano-gaps thus forming well defined metallic patterns with precise two and three dimensional control. Scanning tunnelling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electrochemistry, infrared, and, where appropriate Raman, spectroscopy will be primary characterization methods. Successful completion in part or whole will result in major advances in the field of molecular level surface engineering with potential applications in fields as diverse as nanotechnology, heterogeneous catalysis and sensors and in our understanding of fundamental aspects of size dependent quantum properties.