Redox-Mediated Transient Reconfiguration of a Supramolecular Assembly

Abstract

Dissipative systems, that constantly consume energy for sustenance, are ubiquitous and essential to life. In synthetic systems, the phenomenon promises emergent properties and different structure from the ones existing at thermodynamic equilibrium. It can create reconfigurable and temporally programmable life-like smart materials. In this study, we attempt to create reconfigurable, temporally programmable self-assembly using the redox chemistry of a core-substituted naphthalene diimide derivative. As a result, transient reconfiguration of supramolecular assembly from vesicle to sheet along with transient fluorescence switching with fuel-dependent lifetime is attained. We believe that such a design strategy can advance the synthesis of active, adaptive and autonomous materials.