Unique temperature-dependent supramolecular self-assembly: from hierarchical 1D nanostructures to super hydrogel
Yan Qiao1, Yiyang Lin, Zhiyi Yang
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular , College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
Abstract:
Supramolecular self-assembly can not only lead to a better understanding of biological systems, but also can enable rational building of complex and functional materials. In this report, hierarchical one-dimensional (1D) architectures involving nanotubes, coiled-coil ropelike structures, nanohelices, and nanoribbons are created via lanthanum-cholate supramolecular self-assembly. These sophisticated self-assemblies are proven to be mediated by temperature. The entanglement of one-dimensional nanostructures is demonstrated to give rise to fascinating "super" hydrogel, which can realize water gelation at extremely low concentration. Unprecedented water gelation behaviors, that is, heating-enhanced stiffness and heating-promoted gelation, are found in lanthanum-cholate supramolecular hydrogel. The driving forces of self-assembled complex nanostructures and the unique role of temperature are also discussed.
