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Sequence-Mandated, Distinct Assembly of Giant Molecules
Wei Zhang1, Xinlin Lu1, Jialin Mao2
1Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325-3909, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Synthetic polymer sequence control is key to creating novel materials. Precisely arranging molecular components allows for unique self-assembled structures, including unconventional phases like Frank-Kasper phases.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Controlling synthetic polymer primary structure is challenging.
- Sequence control's potential for tailoring hierarchical structures and creating new phases is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate sequence-dependent phase structures in amphiphilic giant molecules.
- Explore how precise molecular sequences influence self-assembly and material properties.
Main Methods:
- Designed and synthesized model amphiphilic chain-like giant molecules.
- Interconnected hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecular nanoparticles in defined sequences and compositions.
- Analyzed self-assembled supramolecular phases.
Main Results:
- Compositional variation altered self-assembled supramolecular phases.
- Specific molecular sequences induced unconventional phase formation, including Frank-Kasper phases.
- Identified conformational changes driven by hydrogen bonding and sequence-mandated topology as formation mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Sequence control significantly impacts polymer properties and self-assembly.
- Precise sequence engineering can lead to the creation of novel polymer phases.
- This work highlights a new avenue for designing advanced polymeric materials.