Intermediate structures in two-dimensional molecular self-assembly

Abstract

We discuss the occurrence of transition structures observed in molecular self-assembly at surfaces. The increasing surface coverage transitions from low coverage structures to high coverage structures are a common phenomenon. However, often observed and not perfectly understood is the formation of intermediate structures, sometimes with lower lateral density than the initial phase. We will present different examples from our recent work and discuss the possible mechanisms of intermediate phase formation. In addition, we present intermediate structures occurring due to temperature-controlled reversible phase transitions.