Molecular arrays and patterns for supramolecular materials

Abstract

In this article, our recent approaches for preparation of supramolecular materials including molecular array and pattern formation are summarized, as classified by four categories: (i) molecule to nano; (ii) nano to micro; (iii) micro to bulk; (iv) bridging molecule and bulk. Self-assembled processes on a surface provides molecular arrays that can be tuned by several factors such as conformational changes and hydrogen bonding. Microscopic structures can be obtained through self-assembly of molecules designed upon a novel concept of amphiphilicity. Combining self-assembly with layer-by-layer adsorption methods resulted in functional layered micro-structures. By structural transcription from self-assembled structure, bulk materials with precise interior structures such as carbon nanocage can be obtained. The air-water interface provides medium to manipulate functional molecules by bulk visible-scale mechanical motions. © 2008 CPST.