SELF-ASSEMBLY OF SINGLE MACROMOLECULES AT SURFACES

Molecularly defined nanostructures can be self-assembled at surfaces a nd interfaces from suitably designed macromolecules, making use of a c ombination of intra-and intermolecular as well as interfacial forces. Advances in understanding and mastering scanning probe microscopies re nder it possible to analyze macromolecules at solid-liquid interfaces quite generally on a molecular scale. This forms an important basis fo r the rational development of self-assembly as a fabrication process.