Anthraquinone self-assembles on Cu(111) into a hexagonal network with a pore size many times the diameter of the molecule. This process occurs spontaneously, if the correct amount of anthraquinone is deposited; no lithographic or other patterning is required. The process is governed by a delicate balance between attractive intermolecular forces (by unconventional hydrogen bridge bonds involving the anthraquinone carbonyl group) and substrate-mediated repulsion. Potential applications include templating of surface patterns, as the resultant hexagonal film is resistant to deposition of a variety of co-adsorbates.

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