Self-assembled viologens on HOPG: solid-state NMR and AFM unravel the location of the anions

The controlled growth of self-assembled networks on surfaces based on viologen salts is a major scientific challenge due to their unique electronic properties. The combination of solid-state NMR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy at ambient conditions can unravel the fine organization of the supramolecular network on a graphitic surface by positioning the counter-ions relative to the viologen cation. Complete organization of a network of viologens and PF6- anions on HOPG is unraveled by combining solid-state NMR and AFM.