Adsorption of single metallic atoms on self-assembled molecular domain of terephthalic acid

Cobalt and gold atoms have been deposited on self-assembled molecular domains of terephthalic acid and are studied using low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and DFT calculations. These two types of atoms present different adsorption properties as well as peculiar electronic structures. Co atoms are firmly adsorbed on the molecules while Au is highly dependent of the presence of diffusing hydrogen atoms. These latter can also favour the possible desorption of the adatoms or change their adsorption site depending on the presence of defective molecules. The results open the way to new investigations concerning the use of single atoms or molecules for chemistry at the subnanometer scale.