Organized monolayers and monolayer assemblies as potential components of molecular devices

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Abstract
The assembly of molecules to functional units and their interconnection in molecular dimensions to achieve processes like sensing, signal storage and processing, or catalysis of particular reactions is a challenge to modern science. Various phenomena are reviewed that may be considered relevant to the design and construction of molecular devices. The propagation of mechanical excitations of the monolayer-covered air–water interface as a model for signal transmission has been investigated using energy-transfer processes or fast formation of dye aggregates for optical detection. The lateral conductivity in specially designed monolayers can be modulated photochemically, thus providing a possibility of switching. Fast transfer of energy by incoherent exciton hopping can be used to harvest light by concentrating the energy absorbed in large area on a reactive center. Molecular fluorescent probes are sensors for electrical potentials, structure of the local environment, and average ion concentration. At the air–water interface, molecules may self-organize to larger units with new properties. Examples are the formation of extended two-dimensional aggregates of dyes and the reorganization of mixed monolayers to form a replica of adsorbed molecules.

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