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Instability-induced crystal self-assembly in film-substrate system for the construction of large-area micro- and nano-chiral structures

Fushuai Wang, Quanzi Yuan () and Xinghua Shi ()
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Fushuai Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Quanzi Yuan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xinghua Shi: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Chiral supramolecular self-assembly structures demonstrate properties far surpassing achiral counterparts, with broad applications in optoelectronics, biomedicine, and interfaces. However, controlled construction of mesoscopic/macroscopic chiral structures remains challenging due to limited understanding of chirality generation and cross-scale transmission mechanisms. Here, we report an instability-induced crystal self-assembly (IICSA) method where mechanical disturbances trigger structural instability in ibuprofen films, transforming disordered states into large-area ordered chiral structures featuring lamella and left-/right-handed fiber combinations through textured grain stacking. Based on the two-dimensional film model, direct visualization and active control of self-assembly dynamics are realized. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal how surface/interface effects, geometry effects, and solid-liquid interactions collectively govern the self-assembly dynamics. These chiral structures further demonstrate programmable wettability modulation for surface engineering applications. This study deciphers mechanisms of supramolecular chirality generation and cross-scale transmission while providing a controllable paradigm for constructing mesoscopic/macroscopic chiral systems, advancing functional chiral material design.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60635-2

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