Molecules spontaneously form honeycomb network featuring pores of unprecedented size

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Anthraquinone molecules form chains of molecules that weave themselves into a sheet of hexagons on a polished copper surface. Credit: Ludwig Bartelss research group UCR
Anthraquinone molecules form chains of molecules that weave themselves into a sheet of hexagons on a polished copper surface. Credit: Ludwig Bartels's research group, UCR

UC Riverside researchers have discovered a new way in which nature creates complex patterns: the assembly of molecules with no guidance from an outside source. Potential applications of the finding are paints, lubricants, medical implants, and processes where surface-patterning at the scale of molecules is desired.


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All News summaries for August 17, 2006

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