title: Counterions control whether self-assembly leads to formation of stable and well-defined unilamellar nanotubes or nanoribbons and nanorods.
abstract: Self-assembly of the amphiphilic π-conjugated carbenium ion ATOTA-1(+) in aqueous solution selectively leads to discrete and highly stable nanotubes or nanoribbons and nanorods, depending on the nature of the counterion (Cl(-) vs. PF6(-), respectively). The nanotubes formed by the Cl(-) salt illustrate an exceptional example of a structural well-defined (29±2 nm in outer diameter) unilamellar tubular morphology featuring π-conjugated functionality and high stability and flexibility, in aqueous solution.
authors.affiliation: Nano-Science Center & Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen (Denmark).
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schwall
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sfintes
authors.forename: Erling
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thyrhaug
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hammershøj
authors.forename: Marite
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cárdenas
authors.forename: Jens B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Simonsen
authors.forename: Bo W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Laursen
keywords: amphiphiles; nanostructures; nanotubes; self-assembly; triangulenium salts; π-conjugation