Phase Transitions: Concentration‐Controlled Reversible Phase Transitions in Self‐Assembled Monolayers on HOPG Surfaces (Small 19/2015)

Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to systematically study how to control the self-assembly behavior of alkoxylated benzene molecules on a HOPG surface. On page 2284, Q. Li, Y. S. Xie, L. F. Chi, and co-workers observe three different phases which can transform into each other by modifying the solute concentration. These transitions are highly controllable, reversible, and are driven thermodynamically. This systematic study not only provides candidate methodologies for approaching uniform molecular patterns on surfaces and interfaces, but is also valuable for fundamental physical interest.