Molecular Self-Assembly — How to Build the Large Supermolecules

Abstract

In the previous chapters, we discussed supermolecules formed from relatively small numbers of component molecules are discussed. Since the resulting supermolecules are therefore also quite small, isolating the individual super-molecules is often a tough task, which makes it difficult to apply these super-molecules to practical fields. Although sophisticated techniques for treating individual supermolecules are under development, a more realistic approach might be to design and build larger supermolecules. In this chapter, structures and techniques that can be used to fabricate super-molecules created from huge numbers of component molecules are introduced. The supermolecules described in this chapter result from self-assembling (or self-organizing) processes, and are thus called supramolecular assemblies. The driving forces for these self-assembling processes have classified into two categories: precisely defined recognition and fuzzy molecular interaction. In this chapter, supramolecular assemblies are classified according to the precision of the forces driving assembly. Methods for controlling molecular assembly and arrangement are also explained.