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16:24
Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Supramolecular amphiphiles.
1Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. xi@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
Chemical Society Reviews
|October 5, 2010
Summary
Supramolecular amphiphiles (SAs) are formed by non-covalent interactions, offering tunable amphiphilicity for controlled self-assembly. This review explores diverse SA architectures and synthesis methods for advanced functional materials.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Colloid Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Supramolecular amphiphiles (SAs) are molecules formed through non-covalent interactions.
- Traditional amphiphiles lack the tunable and reversible nature of SAs.
- The field bridges colloid and supramolecular chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular architectures of supramolecular amphiphiles.
- To discuss the non-covalent synthesis strategies for SAs.
- To highlight the potential applications of SAs in functional materials.
Main Methods:
- Focus on molecular architectures: single chain, double chain, bolaform, gemini, and rotaxane.
- Exploration of non-covalent synthesis drivers: hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, host-guest recognition, charge transfer, and metal coordination.
- Discussion of SAs as small organic molecules or polymers.
Main Results:
- SAs exhibit diverse molecular topologies.
- Various non-covalent interactions enable SA fabrication.
- SAs allow for reversible tuning of amphiphilicity.
- Controlled self-assembly and disassembly are key features.
Conclusions:
- Supramolecular amphiphiles represent a significant advancement in amphiphile design.
- Their tunable properties facilitate controlled self-assembly.
- Anticipated applications in functional supramolecular materials are extensive.
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