In order to create series of new functional materials with specific desired properties, both control over functionality and their hierarchical structures and orders are critically important.  We have utilized and functionalized precisely defined mnano-particles of fullerene (C60) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), and assembled these particles with polymers to form shape anphiphiles.  One of the illustrating examples is a series of novel �giant surfactants and lipids� possessing a precisely-defined amphiphilic head(s) and polymeric tail(s).  A range of molecular architectures of this class of materials have been synthesized and their self-assembly processes in solution, in thin film and the condensed bulk have shown distinct phase behaviors from either block-copolymers or small molecular surfactants.  Another set of examples is in the category of �nano-atoms� which are designed to possess features of nano-Janus particles with both geometrical and chemical symmetry breakings.  Although they are rigid, when specific interactions are introduced, these �nano-atoms: are functioned as building blocks to construct different amplified molecules and further to self-assemble into hierarchical ordered structures.  The phase structure formation thermodynamic phase behaviors and kinetic pathways of this new class of functional materials are investigated to seek for their potential applications in advanced technologies.

Shape amphiphiles based on molecular nanoparticles: Precision synthesis, versatile self-assembly, and diverse function

245th National Meeting (2013)

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