A novel method has been developed by a research team led by Thomas Bein, a Professor at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen (LMU), and Dr. Markus Lackinger from the Technische Universitat Munchen (TUM), to create superior quality polymer networks utilizing boron acid molecules.
Nanotechnology Applications" />This is a scanning electron microscopy image with a superimposed molecular model. (Credit: TU Muenchen)
The research team is developing molecular carpets that comprise aligned two-dimensional structures made of self-assembled boron acid molecules over a graphite surface. When water is removed, the molecules form a one-atom thickness stable network whose stability is a result of chemical bonds between the molecules. The molecules’ honey-comb-shaped pattern forms a nano-structured surface with pores, which can be utilized as stable forms for manufacturing metal nanoparticles.
The research team’s novel method produces molecular carpets having stable covalent bonds, while eliminating major weaving errors. The method uses a bonding reaction to form molecular carpets from single boron acid molecules. The bonding reaction is a condensation process wherein water molecules are eliminated. Errors can be rectified during weaving when bonding occurs with trace amounts of water and at temperatures just above 100°C. The resulting molecular carpet is a well-organized one-layer surface with high stability.
Molecular networks that are chemically, thermally and mechanically stable find several applications. The research is conducted at Markus Lackinger's lab situated in the Deutsches Museum Munchen. The Bavarian Research Foundation and the Excellence Cluster Nanosystems Initiative Munich funded the project.