Long-range flow-induced alignment of self-assembled rosette nanotubes on Si/SiOx and poly(methyl methacrylate)-coated Si/SiOx.
Helical rosette nanotubes are obtained through the self-assembly of low molecular weight synthetic modules in water. Here we demonstrate that despite their dynamic nature, these materials respond very well to directional fluid flow and assume long-range order on flat substrates. Persistence length, order, and packing of the rosette nanotubes were found to depend dramatically on the surface properties of both the substrate and the nanotubes and vary from well-ordered long-range 2D films to bundled nanotubes or amorphous conglomerates. While flow-induced long-range alignment of dynamic nanostructures is unprecedented, the chemical tunability of the rosette nanotubes is anticipated to offer a versatile means for investigating the basis of interfacial forces in self-assembled organo-silicon devices and their effect on the stability and physical properties of organic nanostructures on electroactive surfaces.
Raez
Jose
J
National Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council (NINT-NRC), Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, ECERF: 9107-116 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2V4, Canada.
Moralez
Jesus G
JG
Fenniri
Hicham
H
D002942:Circular Dichroism; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008958:Models, Molecular; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D017655:Silicon Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014965:X-Rays
D010087:Oxides; D017655:Silicon Compounds; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate