Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guoxin Lu, Guiqiang Zhu, Qian Zhang, Pan Tian, Mengjiao Cheng, Feng Shi
Summary: In this study, a supra-amphiphile Marangoni fuel-sodium-4-(benzylideneamino) benzenesulfonate (SBBS) was synthesized, which can be hydrolyzed in a timely manner to a species without surface activity, thus extending the motion time by 10-fold and achieving self-assembly of millimeter-scaled components. The underlying mechanism was explained through motion analyses and simulation. This strategy provides an active solution for self-assembly at the mu m-to-mm scale and promotes interactive ideas between miniaturized chemical robots.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Zhang, Cuiling Lin, Chen Chen, Liqun Zhang, Feng Shi, Mengjiao Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the molecular-conformation-dependent macroscopic supramolecular self-assembly (MSA) driven by electrostatic interactions. Evidence from single molecular force spectroscopy shows that the modified polyelectrolytes on MSA component surfaces enable MSA with a loop conformation, while those with a flat conformation prevent assembly, due to distinct molecular mobility. This finding is believed to be applicable in fundamental phenomena such as surface adsorption and adhesion of polymers.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen C. Piras, David K. Smith
Summary: Hybrid gel beads combining low-molecular-weight gelator with polymer gelator demonstrate enhanced self-propulsion in water. These beads show potential for effectively accumulating dye pollutants and have promising environmental and biological applications.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ting Zhao, E. Yuyu, Jiwei Cui, Jingcheng Hao, Xu Wang
Summary: Macroscopic nonequilibrium assembly is achieved by integrating pH-responsive hydrogels and urea-urease clock reaction, enabling precise assembly for controlled release and mass transfer applications. Transient electrostatic attraction between hybrid polymer hydrogels is crucial for the realization of macroscopic nonequilibrium assembly, which can be controlled and repeated by adjusting synthesis parameters and fuel compositions.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keigo Tashiro, Takuho Saito, Hironari Arima, Natsuki Suda, Balaraman Vedhanarayanan, Shiki Yagai
Summary: Chemists have constructed sophisticated artificial nanostructured systems through self-assembly, including scissor-shaped photochromic dyads that hierarchically self-assemble into discrete nanostructures with photoresponsive properties. These nanostructures, such as azobenzene dyads, can be dissociated and reorganized through the photoisomerization of azobenzene units, enabling controllable and adjustable structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ikuya Matsumoto, Ryo Sekiya, Takeharu Haino
Summary: By decorating nanographenes with alkyl chains and controlling concentration, solvent polarity, temperature, and sonication, it is possible to achieve self-assembly and formation of stacked structures. Optical measurements and AFM images confirm the presence of stacked structures, while molecular mechanics calculations model the interactions within the aggregates. The nanographenes exhibit concentration-dependent morphologies, forming stacked structures at low concentrations and polymer-like network structures at higher concentrations on mica.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sylvain Sudan, Farzaneh Fadaei-Tirani, Rosario Scopelliti, Kristina E. Ebbert, Guido H. Clever, Kay Severin
Summary: Thirteen palladium-ligand assemblies with different structures and topologies were studied for their ability to bind lithium ions. It was found that the addition of LiBF4 caused a significant structural rearrangement in one case, converting a dinuclear [Pd2L4](4+) complex into a low-symmetry [Pd4L8](8+) assembly with two binding pockets for solvated LiBF4 ion pairs. This rearrangement was only induced by Li+, indicating highly specific host-guest interactions. Structural analysis revealed that the [Pd4L8](8+) receptor had a compact structure with multiple intramolecular interactions, similar to natural and synthetic foldamers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zongshang Li, Ke Xiao, Qingyun Wan, Rui Tang, Kam-Hung Low, Xiaodong Cui, Chi-Ming Che
Summary: The introduction of multiple kinetic aggregation states (Aggs) into the self-assembly pathway can increase the complexity and flexibility of the self-assemblies. This was achieved by using a series of chiral and achiral d(10) Au-I bis(N-heterocyclic carbene, NHC) complexes, where the achiral complex could undergo self-assembly with multiple kinetic Aggs. The chiral Au-I self-assemblies exhibited nonlinear optical response of second harmonic generation (SHG) and could function as optical waveguides with strong emission polarization, while these properties were absent in the achiral analogue.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Hugenbusch, Marc Lehr, Jan-Simon von Glasenapp, Anna J. McConnell, Rainer Herges
Summary: We report the photo-switching properties of two regioisomeric diazocine ligands. The self-assembly of these ligands with Co-II ions was studied, and reversible transformation between different ligand configurations and Co-II complexes was achieved through light-controlled switching.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mitsuaki Yamauchi, Seiya Yamamoto, Sadahiro Masuo
Summary: The study demonstrates a novel supramolecular coassembly system that forms highly ordered QD arrangement structures via self-assembly, enabling photocontrollable photoluminescence properties. The assembled system undergoes structural changes under light, but recovers its original structure and properties over time.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lukasz Baran, Konrad Dyk, Daniel Michael Kaminski, Marek Stankevic, Wojciech Rzysko, Dariusz Tarasewicz, Tomasz Zientarski
Summary: In this study, the formation of self-assembled structures of tetraphenyl derivatives with different substitutions was investigated using classical molecular dynamics and quantum calculations. The results indicate that certain functional groups have a significant impact on the self-assembly process, and these molecules can form various ordered phases.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin Sun, Eva J. J. Meeus, Felix J. J. de Zwart, Eduard O. O. Bobylev, Tiddo J. J. Mooibroek, Simon Mathew, Joost N. H. Reek
Summary: Coordination chemistry is a powerful method for synthesizing supramolecular cages with specific applications. This study successfully synthesized discrete, homochiral (Fe2L3)-L-II cages through chirality-driven self-assembly. The size of these cages can be controlled by stereochemical manipulation of the iron(II) centers, and their formation requires chirality at both the vertices and ligand backbones. The smaller cages exhibit stereoselectivity with only chiral ligands, and their formation is driven by non-covalent interactions.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ruslan Kashapov, Yuliya Razuvayeva, Albina Ziganshina, Syumbelya Amerhanova, Anastasiia Sapunova, Alexandra Voloshina, Vadim Salnikov, Lucia Zakharova
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of amphiphilic viologen calix[4]resorcinol for the spontaneous co-aggregation with sodium caseinate, resulting in the formation of functional nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can solubilize both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules without the use of organic solvents, and exhibit cytotoxic and penetrating properties.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chong-Bin Tian, Qing-Fu Sun
Summary: Discrete organopalladium coordination cages have great potential in various applications such as molecular recognition and sensing, drug delivery, and enzymatic catalysis. Heteroleptic cages with complex architectures and anisotropic cavities have received increasing attention recently. This concept article discusses a powerful self-assembly strategy for constructing a family of organopalladium cages from a given library of ligands, including both homoleptic and heteroleptic structures. The heteroleptic cages often exhibit fine-tuned structures and emergent properties, distinct from their homoleptic counterparts. The concepts and examples provided in this article offer rational guidance for the design of new coordination cages with advanced functions.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Qihan Zhang, Yuwei Yan, Jun Liu, Yingjie Wu, Qiang He
Summary: This feature article introduces the controllable self-assembly technology of supramolecular colloidal motors and their research progress in the fields of biomedicine and environment. The research provides new opportunities for precise fabrication of colloidal motors and explores the relationship between structure and propulsion.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qian Zhang, Bingkun Zhao, Zhenxing Lin, Feng Shi, Mengjiao Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the macroscopic supramolecular assembly (MSA) of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) building blocks using microgel films as flexible spacing coating and surface functional groups. The microgel films play a key role in achieving MSA by enhancing interfacial binding and reducing the laborious two-step modification process.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael Usselmann, Joachim Bansmann, Alexander J. C. Kuehne
Summary: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is commonly used as the precursor for carbon fibers and carbon materials. These carbon materials have high mechanical performance, excellent electrical conductivity and high surface area, making them suitable for various applications. However, the processing of PAN is limited to fibers, films, and non-wovens, which restricts its design freedom. In this study, a PAN-copolymer with intrinsic plasticizer is developed to enable melt extrusion-based additive manufacturing (EAM) and mold-free rapid prototyping.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthias Uhl, Tanja Geng, Philipp A. Schuster, Benjamin W. Schick, Matthias Kruck, Alexander Fuoss, Alexander J. C. Kuehne, Timo Jacob
Summary: By replacing the electrolyte with a deep eutectic solvent and using a polymer as the electrode, an all-organic battery can be achieved. The combination of different solvents and salt concentrations affects the stability and viscosity of the battery. The eutectic mixture with a 1:6 ratio offers the best balance between stability and viscosity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mona E. Arnold, Alexander J. C. Kuehne
Summary: In this study, a method for the functionalization of tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl radical (TTM) was introduced. The use of iodized HTTM overcame the current limitations, allowing for the synthesis of virtually any desired TTM radical derivative.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yijing Liu, Rongzhuang Zhao, Shaohua Li, Xianchong Xue, Qian Zhang, Feng Shi, Mengjiao Cheng
Summary: A macroscopic supramolecular assembly (MSA) is achieved by pre-modifying a flexible spacing coating of a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogel, which enables diverse rigid materials to undergo rapid wet adhesion through electrostatic interactions. The selective self-assembly of positive-negative charged surfaces results in significantly improved interfacial binding force compared to control groups. The coating exhibits simple fabrication, strong adhesion, solvent tolerance, and feasibility of photo-patterning. This strategy broadens the material choices for efficient MSA and provides new methods for rapid interfacial adhesion.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Guoxin Lu, Guiqiang Zhu, Benwei Peng, Rongzhuang Zhao, Feng Shi, Mengjiao Cheng
Summary: In this study, a multi-engine six-arm-shaped device was designed, allowing for motion control through multiple fuel positions. A strategy of diluting the surfactant fuel was proposed to prolong the motion lifetime, resulting in an extension of 143% compared to conventional surfactant fuels. The motion trajectories could be easily adjusted by changing the fuel number and positions, leading to diverse rotation patterns. By integrating with a coil and a magnet, a system of mini-generators based on the Marangoni rotor was obtained, with a significantly increased output compared to the single-engine case. The design of the Marangoni rotor addressed the issues of concentration-gradient-driven devices and enriched their applications in energy harvesting from the environment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan Wang, Jiamin Wang, Rui Ming, Chongxian Liu, Pan Tian, Mengjiao Cheng, Meng Xiao, Feng Shi
Summary: Recently, there has been a growing demand to capture and utilize carbon dioxide (CO2) as a greenhouse gas for various applications. A mini-generator based on photosynthesis has been designed to convert the internal energy of oxygen bubbles produced by photosynthesis into electricity. This system can also be used to monitor weather conditions.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengwei Liu, Ann-Kathrin Steppert, Yazhi Liu, Philipp Weis, Jianyu Hu, Chen Nie, Wen-Cong Xu, Alexander J. C. Kuehne, Si Wu
Summary: Researchers have developed a photo- and thermostable anti-counterfeiting material by using photopatterning and thermal annealing techniques on a photoresponsive conjugated polymer. The stability of the material is achieved through interchain stacking promoted by thermal annealing and the desirable thermal properties endowed by the conjugated structure. This study provides a new strategy for the development of highly stable and secure anti-counterfeiting materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guoxin Lu, Guiqiang Zhu, Qian Zhang, Pan Tian, Mengjiao Cheng, Feng Shi
Summary: In this study, a supra-amphiphile Marangoni fuel-sodium-4-(benzylideneamino) benzenesulfonate (SBBS) was synthesized, which can be hydrolyzed in a timely manner to a species without surface activity, thus extending the motion time by 10-fold and achieving self-assembly of millimeter-scaled components. The underlying mechanism was explained through motion analyses and simulation. This strategy provides an active solution for self-assembly at the mu m-to-mm scale and promotes interactive ideas between miniaturized chemical robots.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Lisa Chen, Tamara Rudolf, Remi Blinder, Nithin Suryadevara, Ashley Dalmeida, Philipp J. Welscher, Markus Lamla, Mona Arnold, Ulrich Herr, Fedor Jelezko, Mario Ruben, Alexander J. C. Kuehne
Summary: We synthesized stable luminescent radical nanoparticles with tunable diameter and highly suitable for bioimaging. These nanoparticles are stable in water, emit light in the red and near-infrared spectra, and can exhibit paramagnetic properties for dual-mode optical and magnetic resonance imaging. This study investigates their synthesis, optical and magnetic properties, and the effect of the conjugated polymer backbone and electron-withdrawing substituents on the electronic properties of the open-shell molecule in the polymer network.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sarah Boesveld, Yonca Kittel, Yizhao Luo, Alexander Jans, Burak Oezcifci, Matthias Bartneck, Christian Preisinger, Dirk Rommel, Tamas Haraszti, Silvia P. Centeno, Arnold J. Boersma, Laura De Laporte, Christian Trautwein, Alexander J. C. Kuehne, Pavel Strnad
Summary: Water-swollen microgels functionalized with TNF alpha antibodies can scavenge and protect cells from the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF alpha, showing potential therapeutic effects for cytokine-mediated diseases.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Tatiana E. E. Gorelik, Andreas Ulmer, A. Lennart Schleper, Alexander J. C. Kuehne
Summary: The crystal structure of the compound was determined using electron diffraction data in continuous rotation mode. It was successfully solved and refined in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a Z value of 2 and Z' value of 0.5. The molecule in the crystal structure is mostly flat, and the molecular packing exhibits a herringbone pattern different from the unchlorinated analogue. The largest exposed surface of the crystals, facing the supporting carbon film, is labeled as (011(sic)).
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KRISTALLOGRAPHIE-CRYSTALLINE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthias Uhl, Sadeeda, Philipp Penert, Philipp A. Schuster, Benjamin W. Schick, Simon Muench, Attila Farkas, Ulrich S. Schubert, Birgit Esser, Alexander J. C. Kuehne, Timo Jacob
Summary: Sustainable battery concepts are crucial for future energy storage needs. Organic batteries based on redox-active polymers, when combined with environmentally friendly and safe electrolytes, show promise as a storage system. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are sustainable electrolytes with low environmental impact and high electrochemical stability. This study presents the first all-organic battery cell based on a DES electrolyte, demonstrating high Coulombic efficiency and stability.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Markus Gross, Fangyuan Zhang, Mona E. Arnold, Prince Ravat, Alexander J. C. Kuehne
Summary: The synthesis and characterization of configurationally stable chiral aza[7]helicene-functionalized trityl radicals are reported. The use of Pd-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling allows for the retention of open-shell character, leading to quantitative yield of the radical and bright photoluminescence emission.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aileen Keutgen, Ina Klein, Feng Shi, Alexander J. C. Kuehne
Summary: This study presents a novel hydrogel photoresist system for the fabrication of multifunctional microgel building blocks with high resolution. An enzymatic feedback system guides the assembly and disassembly of the building blocks along a redox gradient, offering temporal and spatial control. The work provides new perspectives for the design of mesoscopic microgels with customizable functionality and high applicability.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
