Abstract:Molecular assembly is an important issue in chemistry and molecular science. As a powerful surface analysis technique, scanning probe microscope (SPM) plays an important role in the investigation of surface assembly. This review paper is mainly based on the research works reported by our group in recent years with an emphasis on the self-assembly of molecules and how to control the assembly. Host-guest assembly, assembly controlling as well as the assembly under electrochemical condition are explored. Finally, the prospects of future development in this promising field are outlined.