Supramolecular chemistry has a very large impact on chemistry of current interest and the use of non-covalent but directional forces is appealing for the construction of ′supramolecular architectures′. The invention of scanning probe microscopy techniques has opened new doorways to study these concepts on surfaces. This review deals with recent progress in the study of two-dimensional supramolecular self-assembly on surfaces probed by scanning tunneling microscopy, with a special emphasis on structure, dynamics and reactivity of hydrogen bonded systems.

This tutorial review addresses the formation and properties of surface-confined molecular networks as revealed with scanning probe microscopy tools, especially scanning tunneling microscopy. It could be of interest to all interested in surface nano-engineering, and supramolecular chemistry on surfaces. More specifically, this review highlights recent developments in the design of regular nanoporous networks, with a pore diameter ranging from 1 nm to more than 10 nm. The principles leading to their formation are treated in detail and the various functionalities of these porous networks are demonstrated.