Controlling stacking order and charge transport in π-stacks of aromatic molecules based on surface assembly.

Here, we report a facile procedure based on surface self-assembly for controlling the π-π stacking order and relevant rectified charge transport properties in stacks of aromatic molecules on a single-molecule scale. A high rectification ratio of 10 was achieved and the rectification direction was uniquely determined by the controlled stacking order of the aromatic molecules on the graphene layers of HOPG.