Formation of 2D molecular nanopore-membranes via Ullmann reaction with tetra-4-chlorophenylporphyrin on Ag(111)

Abstract

During the last years, many efforts have been employed to find strategies for the synthesis of 2D membranes and graphene-like materials which can be used in applications such as chemical separation, photonic networks, among others. One of these strategies is known as a bottom-up approach via self-ordering and polymerization of macromolecules working like building blocks. Porphyrins such as (5,10,15,20- (tetra-4-chlorophenyl) porphyrin) or 2H-TClPP are planar macromolecules with nanometer-size that can be functionalized in a number of ways. Because it has a halogen atom termination, it is a serious candidate to be used in the process of polymerization of 2D structures via the well-known Ullmann reaction. Despite that, this molecule has never been studied (as far as we know) on any substrate. In this IC project we will investigate the mechanisms involved in the formation of 2H-TClPP molecular networks on a non-interacting surface, Ag (111). The work will involve a systematic study of the electronic structure through spectroscopic measurements (photoemission) and of the molecular arrangements using electron tunneling microscopy (STM) as a function of temperature. (AU)