Supramolecular chemistry, specifically the use of non-covalent interactions to self-assemble molecules into larger (polymeric) aggregates, is a cornerstone of the “bottom-up” approach to complex nano-architectures; the control of surface nano-patterns using block copolymers for example, has advanced from coil-coil systems with > 10 nm periodicity to rod-coil systems with > 5 nm structures. The size of the nano-architectures directly relates to the molecular weight of the blocks in the copolymer; thus surface nano-patterns of < 5 nm would require the use of smaller molecular components. In recent years, thanks to the availability of scanning probe microscopies, a number of groups have started to investigate the potential of small molecules to form nano-patterned assemblies on various surfaces. We report herein on the surface-aided supramolecular polymerization of ditopic monomers at atmospheric pressure from an aqueous environment that results in nano-scale self-assemblies. The observed nano-sized banding patterns in these assemblies have widths (< 5 nm) that can be controlled by simple molecular design. The self-assembly is directed by a combination of nucleobase hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects that encompasses both adsorbate-adsorbate and adsorbate-surface interactions.
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