STM Observation of CyDs in Aqueous Solution

The key to inducing self-organization onto water-solid substrate interfaces is to achieve mild adsorption under controlled conditions. If adsorbate-substrate interactions are too strong, molecules cannot move around on the substrate surface. On the other hand, when adsorbate-substrate interactions are too weak, molecules desorb from surfaces. Relatively mild adsorption conditions between these extreme states leads to induction of 2D self-organization of molecules via rapid surface diffusion and acceleration of the adsorption/desorption equilibrium. Electrochemical potential management would be convenient for AISO, because it allows for precise control of adsorption strength in units of mV [11,13, 14]. 

Reprinted with permission from ref 13 (d). Copyright by American chemical society. 

Note that phase transitions are significantly controlled by delicate potential management, and observation of dynamic processes for 2D molecular aggregation would allow us to visually understand the thermodynamic balance based on intermolecular interactions and perpendicular interactions between adsorbates and substrates. 

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