Architectural Design and Preparation of Molecular Systems

Abstract

The function of a systematized and assembled group of molecules is essentially the same as that of a single molecule. The most fundamental functions of a molecular system are its electron and ion conducting properties. These involve information transduction and energy conversion, although their conduction mechanisms are different. They are seen in polymeric molecules, molecular clusters, and molecular assembly. A polymeric molecule should be considered as a unit repeating material. Bilayer Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) membranes are well-organized molecular assemblies which are prepared utilizing their self-assembling properties. A forced preparative method gives ultrathin material, ultrafine particles, STM prepared molecular materials, etc. They all have their own characteristics and distinguishing functions. In addition, the properties of all molecules remain more or less the same when the molecules are clustered and assembled. The polymers, the molecular assemblies, and the molecular clusters present us not only with their own functions, but also with a stage where the functional molecules can act effectively. In this chapter, the molecular design and fabrication of conducting polymers, molecular assemblies, and molecular clusters are described as one of the most essential, fundamental molecular functional materials.