Unique temperature-dependent supramolecular self-assembly: from hierarchical 1D nanostructures to super hydrogel.
Supramolecular self-assembly can not only lead to a better understanding of biological systems, but also can enable rational building of complex and functional materials. In this report, hierarchical one-dimensional (1D) architectures involving nanotubes, coiled-coil ropelike structures, nanohelices, and nanoribbons are created via lanthanum-cholate supramolecular self-assembly. These sophisticated self-assemblies are proven to be mediated by temperature. The entanglement of one-dimensional nanostructures is demonstrated to give rise to fascinating "super" hydrogel, which can realize water gelation at extremely low concentration. Unprecedented water gelation behaviors, that is, heating-enhanced stiffness and heating-promoted gelation, are found in lanthanum-cholate supramolecular hydrogel. The driving forces of self-assembled complex nanostructures and the unique role of temperature are also discussed.
Qiao
Yan
Y
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular , College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
Lin
Yiyang
Y
Yang
Zhiyi
Z
Chen
Huanfa
H
Zhang
Shaofei
S
Yan
Yun
Y
Huang
Jianbin
J
D020355:Cholates / Q000737:chemistry; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry*; D007811:Lanthanum / Q000737:chemistry; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013696:Temperature
D020355:Cholates; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D007811:Lanthanum