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Covalent on-surface polymerization

Nature Chemistry volume 12, pages 115–130 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

With the rapid development of scanning probe microscopy, it has become possible to study polymerization processes on suitable surfaces at the atomic level and in real space. In the two-dimensional confinement of a surface, polymerization reactions can give rise to the formation of unprecedented polymers with unique structures and properties, not accessible in solution. After a little over one decade since the discovery of covalent on-surface polymerization, we give an overview of the field, analyse the crucial aspects and critically reflect on the status quo. Specifically, we provide some general considerations about fundamental mechanisms as well as kinetics and thermodynamics of on-surface polymerization processes. The important role of the surface is detailed in view of its ability to control polymer formation with regard to structure, dimensionality and composition. Furthermore, examples that allow for locally induced polymerization are highlighted. Finally, we provide an analysis of scientific challenges in the field and outline future prospects.

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Fig. 1: Key aspects of on-surface polymerization.
Fig. 2: General mechanistic as well as thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of on-surface polymerization.
Fig. 3: Role of molecule-surface interactions.
Fig. 4: Molecular orientation and diffusion on the surface.
Fig. 5: From 1D to 2D structures.
Fig. 6: Random, alternating and block copolymer structures.
Fig. 7: Controlling local covalent bond formation and chain-growth polymerization.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to our co-workers for their valuable contributions to the field over the years that have been generously supported by the European Union (via integrated projects ‘pico inside’, ‘ARTIST’ and ‘AtMol’) as well as the German Research Foundation (DFG via GR 2697/1-1 as well as SFB 658 and SFB 951). This Review Article is dedicated to the memory of Karl-Heinz Rieder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical Chemistry Department, University of Graz, Graz, Austria

    Leonhard Grill

  2. Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Stefan Hecht

  3. IRIS Adlershof, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Stefan Hecht

  4. DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen, Germany

    Stefan Hecht

  5. Institute of Technicial and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

    Stefan Hecht

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L.G. and S.H. contributed equally to the manuscript.

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Grill, L., Hecht, S. Covalent on-surface polymerization. Nat. Chem. 12, 115–130 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-019-0392-9

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