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Hierarchical Co‐Assembly Enhanced Direct Ink Writing
Author(s) -
Li Longyu,
Zhang Pengfei,
Zhang Zhiyun,
Lin Qianming,
Wu Yuyang,
Cheng Alexander,
Lin Yunxiao,
Thompson Christina M.,
Smaldone Ronald A.,
Ke Chenfeng
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201800593
Subject(s) - nanotechnology , inkwell , supramolecular chemistry , 3d printing , materials science , self assembly , nano , molecule , chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry
Integrating intelligent molecular systems into 3D printing materials and transforming their molecular functions to the macroscale with controlled superstructures will unleash great potential for the development of smart materials. Compared to macromolecular 3D printing materials, self‐assembled small‐molecule‐based 3D printing materials are very rare owing to the difficulties of facilitating 3D printability as well as preserving their molecular functions macroscopically. Herein, we report a general approach for the integration of functional small molecules into 3D printing materials for direct ink writing through the introduction of a supramolecular template. A variety of inorganic and organic small‐molecule‐based inks were 3D‐printed, and their superstructures were refined by post‐printing hierarchical co‐assembly. Through spatial and temporal control of individual molecular events from the nano‐ to the macroscale, fine‐tuned macroscale features were successfully installed in the monoliths.