Supramolecular block copolymers by kinetically controlled co-self-assembly of planar and core-twisted perylene bisimides.

ABSTRACT: New synthetic methodologies for the formation of block copolymers have revolutionized polymer science within the last two decades. However, the formation of supramolecular block copolymers composed of alternating sequences of larger block segments has not been realized yet. Here we show by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), 2D NMR and optical spectroscopy that two different perylene bisimide dyes bearing either a flat (A) or a twisted (B) core self-assemble in water into supramolecular block copolymers with an alternating sequence of (AmBB)n. The highly defined ultralong nanowire structure of these supramolecular copolymers is entirely different from those formed upon self-assembly of the individual counterparts, that is, stiff nanorods (A) and irregular nanoworms (B), respectively. O

SUBMITTER: Gorl D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4432616 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature