title: Dual-Mode Controlled Self-Assembly of TiO2 Nanoparticles Through a Cucurbit[8]uril-Enhanced Radical Cation Dimerization Interaction.
abstract: The realization of controllable multicomponent self-assembly through reversible supramolecular interactions is a challenging goal, and is an important strategy for the fabrication of switchable nanomaterials. Herein we show that the self-assembly of TiO2 nanoparticles (NP) functionalized with methyl viologen can be controlled both by light irradiation and chemical reduction through cucurbit[8]uril-enhanced radical cation dimerization interactions. Moreover, the controlled assembly and disassembly of this system are accompanied by switchable photocatalytic activity of the TiO2  NPs, which shows potential application as a novel smart and recyclable photocatalyst.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 (China).
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 (China). dahui_qu@ecust.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Da-Hui
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Qu
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 (China).
authors.forename: Qiao-Chun
authors.initials: QC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 (China). tianhe@ecust.edu.cn.
authors.forename: He
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tian
keywords: methyl viologen; nanoparticles; self-assembly; stimuli-responsive materials; titanium