Boron nitride nanomesh for actuated self-assembly

The boron nitride nanomesh is a corrugated, one-atom-thick layer of boron nitride on rhodium metal and has the unique property of trapping individual molecules in its pores, about 3 nanometer apart. In a recent breakthrough, accepted for publication in Nature, we demonstrated that atomic hydrogen can be intercalated between the boron nitride layer and the metal substrate, and can be used to tune the binding strength of adsorbates on the surface. In this interdisciplinary project between Austria and Belgium, we will use the boron nitride nanomesh as a platform to study reactivity, light-matter interaction and switched self- organisation of molecules at solid-liquid interfaces, opening the door towards the non- covalent and covalent functionalisation of boron nitride. This may yield new materials and applications that include sensors, nanoelectronics and lab-on-a-chip devices. The ambitious goals will be achieved by a closely integrated team with expertise in surface science, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, supramolecular chemistry and on-surface reactivity.