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Published on: February 7, 2017
Dual-Mode Controlled Self-Assembly of TiO2 Nanoparticles Through a Cucurbit[8]uril-Enhanced Radical Cation
Qi Zhang1, Da-Hui Qu2, Qiao-Chun Wang1
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 (China).
Abstract:
The realization of controllable multicomponent self-assembly through reversible supramolecular interactions is a challenging goal, and is an important strategy for the fabrication of switchable nanomaterials. Herein we show that the self-assembly of TiO2 nanoparticles (NP) functionalized with methyl viologen can be controlled both by light irradiation and chemical reduction through cucurbit[8]uril-enhanced radical cation dimerization interactions. Moreover, the controlled assembly and disassembly of this system are accompanied by switchable photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 NPs, which shows potential application as a novel smart and recyclable photocatalyst.
