Modular assembly of two-dimensional metal-organic coordination networks at a metal surface

Impressive iron networks: Two-dimensional metal-organic coordination networks have been prepared by the vacuum deposition of organic polytopic linkers and metal atoms on a copper surface. This unprecedented technique enabled the modular assembly of open Fe-carboxylate grids (see image, Fe atoms in green) that possess regularly spaced, identically shaped cavities. The structure and composition of the networks can be tuned by controlling the deposition parameters