Modular super-assembly of hierarchical superstructures from monomicelle building blocks

Manipulating the super-assembly of polymeric building blocks still remains a great challenge due to their thermodynamic instability. Here, we report on a type of three-dimensional hierarchical core-satellite SiO2@monomicelle spherical superstructures via a previously unexplored monomicelle interfacial super-assembly route. Notably, in this superstructure, an ultrathin single layer of monomicelle subunits (similar to 18 nm) appears in a typically hexagon-like regular discontinuous distribution (adjacent micelle distance of similar to 30 nm) on solid spherical interfaces (SiO2), which is difficult to achieve by conventional super-assembled methods. Besides, the number of the monomicelles on colloidal SiO2 interfaces can be quantitatively controlled (from 76 to 180). This quantitative control can be precisely manipulated by tuning the interparticle electrostatic interactions (the intermicellar electrostatic repulsion and electrostatic attractions between the monomicelle units and the SiO2 substrate). This monomicelle interfacial super-assembly strategy will enable a controllable way for building multiscale hierarchical regular micro- and/or macroscale materials and devices.

Automated summary

We report on the fabrication of three-dimensional hierarchical core-satellite SiO2@monomicelle spherical superstructures through a previously unexplored monomicelle interfacial super-assembly route. The ultrathin single layer of monomicelle subunits with hexagon-like regular discontinuous distribution on solid spherical interfaces can be achieved, and the number of monomicelles on colloidal SiO2 interfaces can be quantitatively controlled. This strategy provides a controllable way for building multiscale hierarchical regular micro- and/or macroscale materials and devices.