Professor Matzger and his coworkers in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Michigan, are developing a systematic understanding of self-assembly at the liquid-solid interface by examining the structures of organic molecules adsorbed on planar substrates. Using scanning tunneling microscopy coupled with judicious choice (or synthesis) of molecular adsorbate, they are probing a wide range of two-dimensional crystallization motifs. With the support of the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, the results of these structural studies, combined with work in the literature, will result in a public two dimensional crystallographic data base of use to a broad range of researchers. The fundamental understanding of self-assembly will have impact on a range of technologies, from molecular electronics to corrosion inhibition strategies.
Two dimensional crystal structures are being examined by Professor Matzger and his coworkers, in order to develop an understanding of the self-assembly of large molecule structures at the liquid-solid interface. A data base categorizing and classifying new and existent structures is an expected output of this work. A fundamental understanding of the process of self-assembly will impact a broad range of important technologies.
