Two-dimensional molecular sieves: structure design by computer simulations

Nanoporous molecular networks formed spontaneously by organic molecules adsorbed on solid substrates are promising materials for future nanotechnological applications related to separation and catalysis. With their unique ordered structure comprising nanocavities of a regular shape planar networks can be treated as 2D analogs of bulk nanoporous materials. In this report we demonstrate how the Monte Carlo simulation method can be effectively used to predict morphology of self-assembled porous molecular architectures based on structural properties of a building block. The simulated results refer to the assemblies created by cross-shaped organic molecules which are stabilized by different intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. It is demonstrated that tuning of size and aspect ratio of the building block enables the creation of largely diversified extended structures comprising pores of a square and rectangular shape. Our theoretical predictions can be helpful in custom design of functional adsorbed overlayers for controlled deposition, sensing and separation of guest molecules.