Nanoscale pits as templates for building a molecular device.

Template-based assembly is a promising approach to the construction of functional nanostructures at surfaces with atomic-scale precision. By using surface structures to steer the growth of adsorbates, a higher level of control can be attained in comparison with self-organization alone. [1–3] In this Communication, we demonstrate a template-based method for producing gold nanoparticles with a tunable nanometerscale spacing on a KBrA surface. The gaps between the nanoparticles are bridged with 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) molecules by trapping the molecules in the same template structures. This approach provides a foundation for constructing a molecular device on an insulator in ultrahigh vacuum. To study the importance of metal–molecule interactions during growth, we also investigate the sequential growth of PTCDA, as well as C60, with various metals.

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