Spontaneous and scanning-assisted desorption–adsorption dynamics in porous supramolecular networks at the solution–solid interface

Self-assembled molecular networks (SAMNs) are formed by the spontaneous assembly of molecules on surfaces. On conductive atomically flat surfaces, and also at the liquid-solid interface, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) can follow their growth dynamics. Desorption and adsorption dynamics are difficult to probe through the liquid-solid interface. Porous molecular networks are of particular interest because they may act as platforms for sensing and host-guest chemistry. Very little is known though about their stability, particularly in a liquid environment. To this end, we have investigated the desorption/adsorption dynamics of supramolecular porous monolayers of alkoxylated dehydrobenzo[12]annulene (DBA) derivatives at the interface between highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, the substrate, and 1-phenyloctane, the liquid. To trace the dynamics, structurally analogous chiral DBA derivatives were used as marker molecules, which co-assemble with the achiral ones forming the supramolecular network. This approach reveals the time scales of the adsorption/desorption dynamics, the significance of temperature, and the important role of the STM tip in inducing dynamics.