Supramolecular interactions were studied in two planar model systems, 1,5- and 2,6-dibromoanthraquinones, prepared on Au(111) using scanning tunneling microscopy. In both systems, we found rigid triangular structures that consisted of simultaneous halogen bonds and hydrogen bonds, as reported in protein−ligand complexes. We proposed molecular models that were well reproduced by first-principle studies and could be explained by halogen and hydrogen bonds. The distances, angles, and, strengths of the intermolecular bonds were measured in the observed structures, and showed good agreement with existing bulk data.

Interchain interactions in arrays of metal–organic hybrid chains were studied using scanning tunneling microscopy and ab initio calculations. The array of hybrid chains having a Ag–anthryl biradical were self-assembled by catalytic scission of Br–C bonds in 9,10-dibromoanthracene on Ag(111). An atomic model for the observed chain structures was proposed. Ag atoms in chains were alternatingly located at hollow sites, making slightly zigzaging structures. Between the hybrid chains, Br atoms located at hollow sites to form Br···H intermolecular bonds. Anthryl biradicals had two different apparent heights; this was explained by considering Br···H intermolecular bonds and intrachain steric repulsion. When a hybrid chain was laterally moved by manipulation techniques, Br adsorbates moved together with the chain, implying that they are stabilized by Br···H intermolecular bonds.

The electronic structures of self-assembled hybrid chains comprising Ag atoms and organic molecules were studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) in parallel with density functional theory (DFT). Hybrid chains were prepared by catalytic breaking of Br-C bonds in 4,4″-dibromo-p-terphenyl molecules, followed by spontaneous formation of Ag-C bonds on Ag(111). An atomic model was proposed for the observed hybrid chain structures. Four electronic states were resolved using STS measurements, and strong energy dependence was observed in STM images. These results were explained using first-principles calculations based on DFT.

Intermolecular structures of porous two-dimensional supramolecular networks are studied using scanning tunnelling microscopy combined with density functional theory calculations. The local configurations of halogen bonds in polymorphic porous supramolecular networks are directly visualized in support of previous bulk crystal studies.

The long-term cycling of anode-free Li-metal cells (i.e., cells where the negative electrode is in situ formed by electrodeposition on an electronically conductive matrix of lithium sourced from the positive electrode) using a liquid electrolyte is affected by the formation of an inhomogeneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the current collector and irregular Li deposition. To circumvent these issues, we report an atomically defective carbon current collector where multivacancy defects induce homogeneous SEI formation on the current collector and uniform Li nucleation and growth to obtain a dense Li morphology. Via simulations and experimental measurements and analyses, we demonstrate the beneficial effect of electron deficiency on the Li hosting behavior of the carbon current collector. Furthermore, we report the results of testing anode-free coin cells comprising a multivacancy defective carbon current collector, a LixNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1-based cathode and a nonaqueous Li-containing electrolyte solution. These cells retain 90% of their initial capacity for over 50 cycles under lean electrolyte conditions.

The intramolecular structure of a Co-porphyrin molecule adsorbed on Au͑111͒ is studied using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. As the energy is swept from −2 to +2 eV across Fermi level, the shape of the molecular image dramatically evolves from a two-lobed object to a shape with a bright center and, finally, to a four-lobed object. With the help of first-principles calculations, we explain these distinctive features in terms of the integrated molecular orbitals of a saddle conformation and the contribution of a Kondo state. Based on the molecular structure and the orbitals, we explain why the modification in the electronic states of the molecules by the presence of the substrate is relatively modest.

Host−guest interactions in porous supramolecular structures have been studied on surfaces using scanning tunneling microscopy, with anticipation of biochemical and sensor applications, but limited to cases of van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds. Here, we studied the intermolecular structures of 4,4″-dibromo-p-terphenyl molecules self-caged in porous supramolecular structures with halogen bonds on Ag(111). The caged molecules hopped among six different configurations at higher than 50 K, showing a propeller-like pattern. At 30 K, they stayed at one of six states that were stabilized with Br•••Br halogen bonds and Br•••H hydrogen bonds with energy gains of 225, 197, and 163 meV, as revealed by our density functional theory calculations. The self-caged structure provides a model system to simulate multistate supramolecular memories.

Securing a semiconducting bandgap is essential for applying graphene layers in switching devices. Theoretical studies have suggested a created bulk bandgap in a graphene layer by introducing an asymmetry between the A and B sub-lattice sites. A recent transport measurement demonstrated the presence of a bandgap in a graphene layer where the asymmetry was introduced by placing a graphene layer on a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) substrate. Similar bandgap has been observed in graphene layers on metal substrates by local probe measurements; however, this phenomenon has not been observed in graphene layers on a near-insulating substrate. Here, we present bulk bandgap-like features in a graphene layer epitaxially grown on an h-BN substrate using scanning tunneling spectroscopy. We observed edge states at zigzag edges, edge resonances at armchair edges, and bandgap-like features in the bulk.