We point out that disjoining pressure isotherm curve could be used to predict the highest pattern precision for various model molecules. Using a two-fragment molecular modal system, patterns with width up to sub–12 nm are achieved, which consisted of six layers of molecules. Here, we propose a bubble-template molecular printing (BTMP) approach by introducing the ultrathin liquid film of bubble walls as a soft confinement space. Therefore, an efficient approach to achieving ultraprecise molecular self-assembly is the key to constructing molecular scale patterns. DNAo-L uses the molecular characteristics of base-pair complementation, while molecular generalization is quite limited. BCPA uses the microphase separation of polymers and thus is incapable for direct patterning organic small molecules. Nanoimprinting is a kind of replication technology, and it is difficult to precisely manipulate the assembly behavior of molecules. ![]() DPN technology involves the molecular transfer in the meniscus and chemisorption on the surface thus, the factors affecting the ultimate resolution are complex and difficult to control. ![]() Among them, ultrahigh-precision patterning methods for organic molecules mainly include dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) ( 10– 12), nanoimprint lithography (NI-L)( 13– 15), block copolymer self-assembly (BCPA) ( 16– 18), and DNA origami lithography (DNAo-L) ( 19, 20). In the past few decades, many nonlithographic patterning methods have been developed ( 9). The incompatibility of traditional photolithography technology with organic functional molecules limits its application ( 6). Printing ultrahigh-precision patterns at the molecular scale are extremely attractive for the high-sensitivity sensors ( 5), photoelectric functional devices ( 4, 6), and tissue engineering ( 7, 8). Patterning holds great promise for application in nanofabrication ( 1) and nanomaterials assembly ( 2, 3), with demonstrated prospects in the fabrication of nano/molecular-scale devices ( 4). ![]() Our results confirm the robustness of the bubble template to prepare molecular-scale patterns, verify the criticality of molecular symmetry to obtain the ultimate precision, and predict the application potential of high-precision organic patterns in hierarchical self-assembly and high-sensitivity sensors. The symmetric molecules exhibit better reconfiguration capacity and smaller preaggregates than the asymmetric ones, which are helpful in stabilizing the drainage of foam films and construct high-precision patterns. The disjoining pressure describing the intermolecular interaction could predict the highest precision effectively. Here, we propose a bubble-template molecular printing concept by introducing the ultrathin liquid film of bubble walls to confine the self-assembly of molecules and achieve ultrahigh-precision assembly up to 12 nanometers corresponding to the critical point toward the Newton black film limit. However, achieving the molecular-scale patterns to meet the demands of these fields is challenging. Patterning is attractive for nanofabrication, electron devices, and bioengineering.
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