Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Construction and Systematical Symmetric Studies of a Series of Supramolecular Clusters with Binary or Ternary Ammonium Triphenylacetates
Published on: February 15, 2016
Chirality-Induced Twisted Supramolecular Assembly Unlocks Ultrahigh Energy Density at Elevated Temperatures
Shuo Zhao1, Le Zhou1, Bingyu Zou2,3
1State Key Lab of New Ceramic Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Chiral molecules enhance polyethersulfone (PES) dielectrics for high-temperature electronics. This supramolecular co-assembly boosts energy density and breakdown strength, enabling stable capacitors at 150°C.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- High-power-density electronics require high-temperature-resistant polymer dielectrics.
- Doping polymers with molecular semiconductors improves performance but often leads to poor dispersion and conductive pathways.
- Existing methods face challenges with semiconductor distribution and interfacial compatibility, limiting dielectric properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop advanced polymer dielectrics with enhanced high-temperature performance.
- To investigate the effect of supramolecular chiral co-assembly on polymer dielectric properties.
- To improve energy density and breakdown strength in polymer dielectrics for demanding electronic applications.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of chiral molecules, R5011 and S5011, into polyethersulfone (PES).
- Formation of supramolecular chiral co-assembly structures via π-π stacking interactions.
- Characterization of the resulting composite films for dielectric properties and performance at high temperatures.
Main Results:
- Chiral amplification led to a twisted polymer chain structure and carrier traps, enhancing breakdown strength.
- The co-assembled PES achieved high energy densities (8.73 J cm⁻³ at 150°C) with 90% efficiency.
- Stacked film capacitors exhibited excellent high-temperature capacitance stability at 150°C.
Conclusions:
- Supramolecular chiral co-assembly is a novel approach for designing advanced polymer dielectrics.
- The developed PES composite films show significant potential for high-temperature electronic applications.
- This strategy overcomes limitations of traditional doping methods for polymer dielectrics.
Related Concept Videos
Chirality in Nature
Conformations of Cyclohexane
The chair form is the most stable and derives its name from its resemblance to the “easy chair.” In the chair conformation, two carbon atoms are arranged out-of-plane — one above and one below, minimizing the torsional strain. In the chair form, the bond angle is very close to the ideal tetrahedral value,...
Chirality
Chiral objects exhibit a sense of handedness when they interact with another chiral object. For example, our left foot can only fit in the left shoe and not in the right shoe. Achiral objects — objects that have...
Molecules with Multiple Chiral Centers
Stereoisomerism of Cyclic Compounds
Chair Conformation of Cyclohexane
The hydrogen atoms linked to carbons are arranged in two different axial and equatorial orientations to achieve this staggered...

