# Surface-Confined Self-Assembly of Star-Shaped Tetratopic Molecules with Vicinal Interaction Centers

## TL;DR

This paper uses computer simulations to study how star-shaped molecules self-assemble on surfaces into various structures, helping design new nanomaterials.

## Contribution

The study introduces lattice Monte Carlo simulations to predict surface self-assembly of tetratopic molecules with vicinal interaction centers.

## Key findings

- Star-shaped molecules self-assemble into diverse structures like 2D crystals and Sierpiński-like aggregates.
- The simulations reveal how molecular design affects supramolecular architecture and material properties.
- Theoretical insights aid in the rational design of nanomaterials with tunable porosity and chirality.

## Abstract

Precise control over the morphology of surface-supported supramolecular patterns is a significant challenge, requiring the careful selection of suitable molecular building blocks and the fine-tuning of experimental conditions. In this contribution, we demonstrate the utility of lattice Monte Carlo computer simulations for predicting the topology of adsorbed overlayers formed by star-shaped tetratopic molecules with vicinal interaction centers. The investigated tectons were found to self-assemble into a range of structurally diverse architectures, including two-dimensional crystals, aperiodic mosaics, Sierpiński-like aggregates, and one-dimensional strands. The theoretical insights presented herein deepen our understanding of molecular self-assembly and may aid in the rational design of novel nanomaterials with tunable porosity, chirality, connectivity, and molecular packing.