Cover Picture: Small 12/2008

The cover picture illustrates an atomic force microscopy image of hexagonal honeycomb networks created by metal-ion-directed self-assembly of terpyridine-functionalized perylene bisimide dyes. In general, hexagonal networks provide a highly stable lattice of cells that requires the least material to cover a given volume. While the reason why honey bees construct such networks is a matter of debate, the work of Stepanenko and Wurthner elucidates the formation of well-defined nanoscale honeycomb networks of cyclic dye arrays. Such networks of functional colorants might become of considerable interest for photonic and photovoltaic applications if the interior volume were filled with appropriate material. For more information, please read the Communication “Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Cyclic Dye Arrays into Two-Dimensional Honeycomb Nanonetworks” beginning on page 2158.