We report the development of a solution-based step-by-step technique, which utilizes the coordination bond between metalloporphyrin molecular units and metal linkages and results in the nuclear growth of nano-networks on solid substrates. The growth of the surface structures is strongly influenced by the choice of substrate materials and solvents: the molecule-substrate interaction and the solubility of the molecular units are important parameters in tuning the size and growth of the domains. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.