Architecture of macromolecular network of soft functional materials: from structure to function

An enhanced macromolecular nanofiber network and its implications have been developed by employing the understanding of its formation with an emphasis on its topological aspect. Using agarose aqueous solution as a typical example, the macromolecular nanofiber network of soft functional materials has been clearly visualized for the first time using the developed technique of field emission scanning electronic microscopy coupled with flash-freeze-drying. Both the systematic kinetic study and the image evidence indicates that the nanofiber network in soft functional materials such as agarose turns out to form through a self-expitaxial nucleation-controlled process. This new understanding enables us to engineer ultra functions of soft materials via nanofiber network architecture, which in turn opens up a new direction in nano fabrication.