Regulation of Two-dimensional (2D) Self-assembled Supramolecular Chemical Reactions: Studied by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

In this review, a group of two-dimensional (2D) self-assembled supramolecular chemical reactions observed by our laboratory are discussed. Our focuses mainly involve: 1) Surface supramolecular chemical reactions tuned by photo-stimulation; 2) Regulation of surface-confined nanostructure with metal-ligand coordination; 3) Construction of 2D supramolecular nanostructures through Schiff-base reaction observed by STM. It is envisioned that studies on these reactions are beneficial for us to understand the mechanism of supramolecular self-assembly process and impose further control over them.