Title: Post-modulation of layer-by-layer assemblies coordinated by a catalytic dose of fullerene derivatives without external fields

Authors: Bi-Jun Geng, Yun-Fei Li, Lin-Long Deng, Tong-Ruo Diao, Zi-Wei Ma, Long-Xing Lin, Jin-Shu Li, Yi-Dong Yan, Jia-Wei Yan, Yuan-Zhi Tan, Bing-Wei Mao, Su-Yuan Xie, Zhong-Qun Tian & Yang Yang*

Abstract: Molecular assembly has attracted wide attention in chemistry, condensed physics, molecular electronics, and materials sciences. However, it remains a great challenge to perform post-modulation on the assembled structures without the aid of externally applied fields. Herein, we demonstrate a combined full-weak-bonded interaction and fullerene-derivative strategy and achieve the post-modulation of layer-by-layer assembly with a precision of 5.0 Å. In the absence of external fields, the fullerene derivative exhibits a long-range interaction to boost the modulation of the assembly. Benefiting from that, a catalytic dose of fullerene derivative is able to modulate a large area of assembly, reminiscent of the catalyst in chemical reactions. This work provides an efficient and flexible approach for the catalysis and precise modulation of molecular assembly.

Full-Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57626-8