Controlled self-assembly of organic nanowires and platelets using dipolar and hydrogen-bonding interactions

Small. 2008 Nov;4(11):2074-8. doi: 10.1002/smll.200800811.

Abstract

Synergistic dipole-dipole and hydrogen-bonding interactions are used to assemble nanostructured materials. Precipitation of a hydrogen-bonding donor-acceptor molecule 8-[[p-[bis(ethyl)amino]phenyl]azo]-isobutylflavin (ABFL) yields nanowires approximately 50-150 nm in diameter and lengths of several millimeters. Precipitation of the non-hydrogen-bonding analog, methylated ABFL (MABFL), generates micrometer-sized hexagonal platelets that are 5-10 microm in length, 1-5 microm in width, and 0.1-0.5 microm thick. The structural similarity of the two molecules allows intermediate morphologies to be formed via co-precipitation. Doping experiments demonstrate efficient control over nanowire length and diameter due to the disruption of the hydrogen bonding within the nanowires.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanowires / chemistry*
  • Nanowires / ultrastructure
  • Surface Properties