Characterisation and Interpretation of On-Surface Chemical Reactions Studied by Ultra-High-Resolution Scanning Probe Microscopy

The investigation of supramolecular self-assembly at surfaces requires detailed characterisation at the molecular or even sub-molecular level. The primary technique that has been employed to ensure a detailed understanding of self-assembled structures is based on high-resolution scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Such techniques, notably scanning-tunnelling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been widely used and such techniques allow the resolution of the geometric structure of organic molecules with intramolecular resolution. The development of noncontact atomic force microscopy (ncAFM) over recent years has allowed sub-molecular imaging of the chemical, electronic, and electrostatic properties of single molecules. This chapter focuses on the use of this technique to track complex on-surface chemical reactions, investigate novel reaction products, and even synthesise new molecular structures one bond at a time.