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Precise Control of Dissipative Self-assembly by Light and Electricity
Chunfeng Chen1, Zhibin Guan1,2,3,4,5
1Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, 92697, United States.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 3, 2023
Summary
Scientists precisely controlled self-assembly using light and electricity. This method allows dynamic control over perylene bisimide glycine (PBIg) structures, enabling new possibilities for active materials and pharmaceuticals.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Materials science
- Chemical engineering
Background:
- Dissipative self-assemblies are inspired by nature but lack precise control.
- Controlling self-contained systems for complex structures remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve precise control over dissipative supramolecular assembly structures and functions.
- To demonstrate spatiotemporal control over perylene bisimide glycine (PBIg) self-assembly using light and electricity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized light and electricity as dual fuels for precise control.
- Employed electrochemical oxidation to activate PBIg self-assembly and photoreduction to deactivate it.
- Programmed counteracting fuels to direct assembly morphologies.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated precise control over PBIg self-assembly into various morphologies in a self-contained system.
- Achieved active homeostasis and dynamic instability by simultaneously applying light and electrical fuels.
- Induced morphological changes to asymmetric assemblies with curvatures.
Conclusions:
- Precise control over self-assembly in self-contained systems is achievable using dual fuels.
- This approach offers potential for programming complex active materials.
- Applications include formulating pharmaceutical reagents with desired morphologies.
