Two dimensional supramolecular networks on insulators: structural organisation, fluorescence and host-guest interactions

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This project focuses on the ability to control the organisation of molecules on the molecular level, to specifically determine their precise positioning and to understand the effect of their relative positions on their fluorescence. The study builds upon our recent discovery that it is possible to structurally characterise molecular arrays on insulating surfaces under atmospheric conditions with a high degree of precision by atomic force microscopy (AFM), moving beyond previous studies that used conducting surfaces. As a result we are now able to probe molecular properties, such as fluorescence, which were previously quenched by the supporting, conducting surface.We now seek to understand to what degree these properties can be controlled and how entrapment of guest molecules within our arrays, which are porous, affects that fluorescence. We will develop a detailed understanding of the effect of guest trapping by the surface-based arrays and demonstrate that through change in the fluorescence signal we can specifically recognise trapped guest molecules working towards molecular-scale sensing systems.