Self-assembly of single macromolecules at surfaces

Molecularly defined nanostructures can be self-assembled at surfaces and interfaces from suitably designed macromolecules, making use of a combination of intra- and intermolecular as well as interfacial forces. Advances in understanding and mastering scanning probe microscopies render it possible to analyze macromolecules at solid-liquid interfaces quite generally on a molecular scale. This forms an important basis for the rational development of self-assembly as a fabrication process.