The structure and formation of hydrogen-bonded molecular networks on Au(111) surfaces revealed by scanning tunnelling and torsional-tapping atomic force microscopy.

A comprehensive scanning probe microscopy study has been carried out to characterise 3,4,9,10-Perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI)-melamine hydrogen-bonded networks deposited on Au(111)-surfaces. Both scanning tunnelling and atomic force microscopy were utilized. Such complementary analysis revealed a multilayered structure of the networks on the Au(111)-surface as opposed to a widely reported monolayer structure. Details of the network formation mechanism are presented. We have also demonstrated that despite the apparent network stability in ambient conditions it is unstable in aqueous solutions of pH 4.5 and 7.1.