Assorted morphosynthesis: access to multi-faceted nano-architectures from a super-responsive dual π-functional...

An electronically segmented amphiphile was created by conjugating two π-functional units hydroxyquinoline and naphthalenediimide (HQ/NDI) for the first time. The differential electrostatic potential of the π-surfaces, H-bonding units, etc. trigger a manifold response and direct the assembly of a unique collection of seven diverse nano-architectures. Chiral assembly, distinct classes of fibers, 3-D sheets, and metallo-spheres/fibrils with μM levels of Co/Cu/Zn(ii) ions emerged from this new approach of assorted morphosynthesis under ambient conditions.