Designed formation of nanocomposites VIA dipole interaction

The formation of designed nanocomposites by multiple layers of adsorbate molecules is studied. We consider the presence of two types of molecules in each layer, which are characterized by different dipole moments. The nanostructures are characterized by the non-uniform distribution of the two molecules. A phase field model is developed to simulate the molecular diffusion and patterning under the combined actions of dipole moments, intermolecular forces, entropy, and external electric field. The study reveals self-alignment, structure conformation and the possibility to reduce the domain sizes via a layer by layer approach. It is also shown that the structure in a layer may define the roadway for molecules to travel on top it. This combined with electrodes embedded in the substrate gives much flexibility to guide the molecular organization and fabrication of designed nanocomposites.