Supramolecular Complex Surfactants and Structured Liquids Enabled by Cation-π and Charge-Transfer Interactions

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Interfacial Science

Background:

• Cation-π and charge-transfer (CT) interactions are fundamental in various scientific disciplines.
• The construction of interfacial assemblies utilizing these non-covalent interactions remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation of supramolecular complex surfactants (SCSs) at the toluene-water interface.
• To explore the use of SCSs as building blocks for novel interfacial assemblies.
• To demonstrate the redox-responsive behavior of these assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Combining cation-π and CT interactions between a dicationic naphthalenediimide acceptor and a pyrene-terminated poly-l-lactic acid donor.
• In situ generation of SCSs at the toluene-water interface.
• Fabrication of interfacial assemblies (2D films, emulsions, structured liquids).
• Chemical stimulus to modify the redox state of the acceptor molecule.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of SCSs at the liquid-liquid interface.
• Demonstrated fabrication of diverse interfacial assemblies using SCSs.
• Precise regulation of SCS association/dissociation and assembly/disassembly via redox control.
• Imparted redox-responsive properties to the resulting assemblies.

Conclusions:

• SCSs formed via cation-π and CT interactions are effective building blocks for interfacial assemblies.
• The redox-responsive nature of the acceptor molecule allows for tunable control over assembly dynamics.
• This work opens new avenues for designing smart materials with responsive interfacial properties.