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Parallel and Precise Macroscopic Supramolecular Assembly through Prolonged Marangoni Motion
Author(s) -
Cheng Mengjiao,
Zhu Guiqiang,
Li Lin,
Zhang Shu,
Zhang Dequn,
Kuehne Alexander J. C.,
Shi Feng
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201808294
Subject(s) - marangoni effect , supramolecular chemistry , chemical physics , supramolecular assembly , motion (physics) , pulmonary surfactant , nanotechnology , self assembly , materials science , representation (politics) , kinetic energy , mechanics , biological system , chemistry , physics , classical mechanics , molecule , thermodynamics , convection , organic chemistry , politics , political science , law , biology
Macroscopic supramolecular assembly (MSA) is a rising concept in supramolecular science, in which building blocks with sizes exceeding 10 μm self‐assemble into larger structures. MSA faces the challenge of developing appropriate self‐propulsion strategies to improve the motility of the macroscopic building blocks. Although the Marangoni effect is an ideal driving force with random motion paths, excessive aggregation of the surfactant and fast decay of motion remain challenging problems. Hence, a molecular interference strategy to drive the self‐assembly over longer times by finely controlling the interfacial adsorption of surfactants using dynamic equilibria is proposed. Surfactant depletion through molecular recognition in the solution to oppose fast interfacial aggregation efficiently facilitates macroscopic motion and assembly. The resulting motility lifetime is extended remarkably from 120 s to 2200 s; with the improved kinetic energy, the assembly probability increases from 20 % to 100 %.