Ordered alignment of a one-dimensional π-conjugated nickel bis(dithiolene) complex polymer produced via interfacial reactions

Abstract

A liquid–liquid interfacial synthesis using 1,2,4,5-benzenetetrathiol and nickel(II) ions produced a thin black film of a π-conjugated polymer featuring the nickel bis(dithiolene) motif. Its ordered structure was not originally identified due to its amorphicity; however, it was observed to align regularly on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite substrate using scanning tunnelling microscopy.