Self-sorting in macroscopic supramolecular self-assembly via additive effects of capillary and magnetic forces

Minghui Tan, Pan Tian, Qian Zhang, Guiqiang Zhu, Yuchen Liu, Mengjiao Cheng () and Feng Shi ()
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Minghui Tan: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Pan Tian: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Qian Zhang: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Guiqiang Zhu: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Yuchen Liu: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Mengjiao Cheng: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Feng Shi: Beijing University of Chemical Technology

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Supramolecular self-assembly of μm-to-mm sized components is essential to construct complex supramolecular systems. However, the selective assembly to form designated structures at this length scale is challenging because the short-ranged molecular recognition could hardly direct the assembly of macroscopic components. Here we demonstrate a self-sorting mechanism to automatically identify the surface chemistry of μm-to-mm components (A: polycations; B: polyanions) based on the A-B attraction and the A-A repulsion, which is realized by the additivity and the competence between long-ranged magnetic/capillary forces, respectively. Mechanistic studies of the correlation between the magnetic/capillary forces and the interactive distance have revealed the energy landscape of each assembly pattern to support the self-sorting results. By applying this mechanism, the assembly yield of ABA trimers has been increased from 30%~40% under conventional conditions to 100% with self-sorting. Moreover, we have demonstrated rapid and spontaneous self-assembly of advanced chain-like structures with alternate surface chemistry.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32892-y

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