title: Toward Controlled Hierarchical Heterogeneities in Giant Molecules with Precisely Arranged Nano Building Blocks.
abstract: Herein we introduce a unique synthetic methodology to prepare a library of giant molecules with multiple, precisely arranged nano building blocks, and illustrate the influence of minute structural differences on their self-assembly behaviors. The T8 polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles are orthogonally functionalized and sequentially attached onto the end of a hydrophobic polymer chain in either linear or branched configuration. The heterogeneity of primary chemical structure in terms of composition, surface functionality, sequence, and topology can be precisely controlled and is reflected in the self-assembled supramolecular structures of these giant molecules in the condensed state. This strategy offers promising opportunities to manipulate the hierarchical heterogeneities of giant molecules via precise and modular assemblies of various nano building blocks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Mingjun
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Su
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Siyu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Kan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yue
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Xue-Hui
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University , San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States.
authors.forename: Xiaopeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Shuo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States; Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3601, United States.
authors.forename: Chrys
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wesdemiotis
authors.affiliation: Institut Charles Sadron, CNRS-Université de Strasbourg , 23, Rue du Lœss, Strasbourg, 67034, France.
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lotz
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China.
authors.forename: Wen-Bin
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Yiwen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Science, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States.
authors.forename: Stephen Z D
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Cheng