Two-Dimensional Structures Composed of Cross-Shaped Molecules Adsorbed on Solid Surfaces – a Computational Model

The ability of simple molecular building blocks to form extended ordered patterns by adsorption and self-assembly on solid substrates is an advantageous property that has been widely used to create nanostructured surfaces. In this contribution we demonstrate how the lattice Monte Carlo simulation method can be used to predict morphology of adsorbed overlayers comprising simple functional cross-shaped molecules resembling phthalocyanines and porphyrins. In particular, we focus on the influence of the distribution of active interaction centers within a model crossshaped molecule on the structure of the resulting molecular networks. Additionally, we investigate how using racemic mixtures of input prochiral molecules affects the chirality and porosity of the corresponding ordered patters. The obtained results show that suitable manipulation of the chemistry of cross-shaped building block allows for the controlled creation of largely diversified molecular porous networks.