Self-assembled π-conjugated macromolecular architectures — A soft solution process based on Schiff base coupling

Two-dimensional supramolecular covalent macromolecular architectures were visualized directly by in-situ scanning tunneling microcopy and colorful π-conjugated nanofilms with unique mesostructures formed spontaneously on hydrophobic substrates from aqueous solutions in the presence of simple aromatic building block molecules under ambient conditions. We thus report the results of surface-mediated polycondensation and chemical liquid deposition. The Schiff base coupling reaction applied for this soft solution process is a dynamic reversible covalent coupling reaction that can be managed by careful changes in solution conditions based on ‘adsorption’ and ‘polymerization’ equilibria. This low-cost and eco-friendly ‘bottom-up’ method allows great diversity in terms of the design of primary polymeric chemical structures by the selection of building blocks without the need to consider the solubility of the polymer. This paves the way to a true ‘bottom-up’ assembly of a vast array of solid-supported, designer supramolecular nanoarchitectures with potential use as functional materials for next-generation organic electronics.