Supramolecular Materials: Self Organized Nanostructures.
Abstract
We have discovered systems of molecules with the architecture of miniaturized triblock copolymers that self assemble into nanostructures highly regular in size and shape. In the system described here, a mushroom-shaped supramolecular structure of about 200 kilodaltons forms by crystallization of the chemically identical blocks in the system. Interestingly, the supramolecular units self organize into films containing one hundred or more layers stacked in polar arrangement. The polar supramolecular material exhibits spontaneous second harmonic generation from infrared to green photons, and a tape-like character with nonadhesive-hydrophobic and hydrophilic- sticky opposite surfaces. The films also have reasonable shear strength, and adhere tenaciously to glass surfaces on one side only. The regular and finite size of the supramolecular units is believed to be mediated by repulsive forces among some of the segments in the triblock molecules. On the other hand, the polar stacking of the mushroom nanostructures might be the system's organization that optimizes space filling in three dimensions. A large diversity of multifunctional materials could be discovered in solids formed by regular supramolecular units in the range of hundreds of kilodaltons. Such supramolecular materials could impact the technologies of sensors, cell substrates, waveguides, membranes, materials coupling in composite structures, solid lubricants, and catalysts, among others.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA322379
Entities
People
- Kenneth E. Walker
- Kevin E. Huggins
- Li-sheng Li
- Samuel I. Stupp
- Vassou Lebonheur
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign