Macromolecular assembly: from irregular aggregates to regular nanostructures

Based on our long-term research on interpolymer complexation due to hydrogen bonding, we proposed several novel self-assembly approaches to polymeric micelles with regular structures. Differing from micelles of block and graft copolymers, our micelles don't have any chemical bonds between the core and shell. In addition, some of these approaches have been proved to be effective to fabricate hollow aggregates.     

Chemistry of polycarbon species: from clusters to molecular devices

Polycarbon species with pi-conjugated systems interact with attached metal fragments to exhibit a variety of intriguing structural features and chemical properties. In this Perspective, following an introductory account of polycarbon cluster compounds and the unique chemical transformations on them which cannot easily be realized by mononuclear species, the properties of polynuclear complexes connected by pi-conjugated carbon-rich bridging ligands will be discussed with emphasis on those applicable to molecular electronics, e.g. wire-like behavior (molecular wires), higher dimensional systems (branch circuits), and switching functions.     

Configuration dependent critical nuclei in the self assembly of magic clusters

Evidence for the formation of various 2-D structures possessing different numbers of Co-Si magic clusters (size approximately 10.0 +/- 0.5 A), configurations and lifetimes are studied in real time on a Si(111)-(7 x 7) surface at elevated temperature in the STM. Observations of individual cluster diffusion, attachment and detachment dynamics resolve unequivocally the question of self assembly over surface reconstruction. The smallest stable structure consisting of seven individual Co-Si magic clusters arranged in a hexagonal closed packed formation (i = 7) is found to retain sufficient cohesive energy to avoid dissociation. A configuration dependent critical 2-D nuclei (i* = 6) is determined to exist in facilitating the self assembly dynamics.     

Solar cells from colloidal nanocrystals: Fundamentals,materials, devices,and economics

Recent advances in colloidal science are having a dramatic impact on the development of next generation low-cost and/or high-efficiency solar cells. Simple and safe solution phase syntheses that yield monodisperse, passivated, non-aggregated semiconductor nanocrystals of high optoelectronic quality have opened the door to several routes to new photovoltaic devices which are currently being explored. In one route, colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal “inks” are used primarily to lower the fabrication cost of the photoabsorbing layer of the solar cell. Nanocrystals are cast onto a substrate to form either an electronically coupled nanocrystal array or are sintered to form a bulk semiconductor layer such that the bandgap of either is optimized for the solar spectrum (1.0–1.6 eV if the photon to carrier quantum yields less than 100%). The sintered devices (and without special efforts, the nanocrystal array devices as well) are limited to power conversion efficiencies less than the Shockley–Queisser limit of 33.7% but may possibly be produced at a fraction of the manufacturing cost of an equivalent process that uses vacuum-based deposition for the absorber layer. However, some quantum confined nanocrystals display an electron-hole pair generation phenomena with greater than 100% quantum yield, called “multiple exciton generation” (MEG) or “carrier multiplication” (CM). These quantum dots are being used to develop solar cells that theoretically may exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit. The optimum bandgap for such photoabsorbers shifts to smaller energy (0.6–1.1 eV), and thus colloidal quantum dots of low bandgap materials such as PbS and PbSe have been the focus of research efforts, although multiple exciton generation has also been observed in several other systems including InAs and Si. This review focuses on the fundamental physics and chemistry of nanocrystal solar cells and on the device development efforts to utilize colloidal nanocrystals as the key component of the absorber layer in next generation solar cells. Development efforts are put into context on a quantitative and up-to-date map of solar cell cost and efficiency to clarify efforts and identify potential opportunities in light of technical limitations and recent advances in existing technology. Key nanocrystal/material selection issues are discussed, and finally, we present four grand challenges that must be addressed along the path to developing low-cost high-efficiency nanocrystal based solar cells.     

From cluster assembly to ultrathin nanocrystals and complex nanostructures

Ultrathin nanostructures have attracted much attention in recent years due to their predictable novel properties and various potential applications. The improvement in synthetic skills has led to many successful syntheses of nanostructures including zerodimensional (0D) nanoclusters, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires, two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets and other higher-level complex nanostructures, where cluster-assembly of primary nanocrystals is a common process. In this review, progress in ultrathin nanocrystals in the last decade and several important factors in the growth mechanisms are covered. By giving examples of cluster assembly from 1D to 3D nanostructures, the utility of cluster assembly in the synthesis of new materials has been demonstrated.     

Characterization, supramolecular assembly, and nanostructures of thiophene dendrimers

We report the synthesis and characterization of dendritic thiophene derivatives with their unique supramolecular assembly into 2-D crystals, nanowires, and nanoparticle aggregates. The structure and size of the dendrons and dendrimers have been confirmed with various techniques, such as NMR, SEC, and MALDI-TOF-MS. The mass values were consistent with the mass observed by MALDI-TOF-MS, whereas SEC measurements also gave useful information on the hydrodynamic volume of the individual dendrimers. The interesting electrooptical properties were highlighted by very broad absorption spectra and narrower fluorescence consistent with their electrochemical behavior. The self-organization of the dendrimers on the solid substrate is dependent on the nature of the substrate, preparation methods, and the molecule-molecule and molecule-substrate interactions. Thus, 14T-1 and 30T both formed globular aggregates on mica surface, while 14T-1 also formed nanowires on graphite surface. On the other hand, the larger 30T was observed to form 2-D crystalline structures. By varying the alkyl chain length attached to 14T-1, we were also able to obtain 2-D crystals on graphite. This showed that the different symmetry of packing for 30T and 14T-1 is also dependent on several factors, such as the molecular shape, size, and the presence of noncovalent intermolecular interactions. The results demonstrated the unique ability of thiophene dendrimers to form nanostructures on surfaces.     

Magnetic clusters and conducting molecular materials from polyoxometalates

The relevance of polyoxometalate chemistry in molecular magnetism and molecular materials is discussed.In the first part we show that these molecular metal-oxides provide remarkable examples of magnetic clusters for which the nuclearity and the topology can be varied in a controlled manner. They provide ideal models for the study of magnetic interactions in clusters, and for the study of the interplay between electron delocalization and magnetic interactions. In the second part we illustrate the use of polyoxoanions as inorganic components of new hybrid molecular materials having conducting and/or magnetic properties. Two kinds of materials are presented namely, crystalline hybrid salts in which the electron donors are organic molecules of the TTF type or organometallic complexes as the decamethylferrocene, and films formed by polyoxometalates embedded in conducting polymers (of the polypyrrole type).     

Metallosurfactants of bioinorganic interest: Coordination-induced self assembly

This review covers selected surfactant ligands that undergo a change in aggregate morphology upon coordination of a metal ion, with a particular focus on coordination-induced micelle-to-vesicle transitions. The surfactants include microbially produced amphiphilic siderophores, as well as synthetic amphiphilic ligands. The mechanism of the metal-induced phase change is considered in light of the coordination chemistry of the metal ions, the nature of the ligands, and changes in molecular geometry that result from metal coordination. Of particular interest are biologically produced amphiphiles that coordinate transition metal ions and amphiphilic ligands of relevance to bioinorganic chemistry.     

Synthesis, assembly, and optical properties of shape- and phase-controlled ZnSe nanostructures

Shape-, size-, and phase-controlled ZnSe nanostructures were synthesized by thermolysis of zinc acetate and selenourea using liganding solvents of octadecylamine (ODA) and trioctylphosphineoxide (TOPO) at different molar ratios. Materials synthesized in pure ODA resulted in uniform ultranarrow nanorods and nanowires of 1.3 nm in diameter. Morphological change from nanowire to spherical particle of larger diameter occurs with increasing TOPO/ODA ratio. Variation of the TOPO content in the mixed solvent also allows control of the crystallographic phase of ZnSe (wurtzite or zinc blende). The conditions and mechanisms of shape and phase control are discussed. Ultra-high-density networks of the ordered wires are achieved using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique in a single step as an essential stage on the route to ultra-high-density semiconductor nanocircuit fabrication.     

Building block approach to nanostructures: step-by-step assembly of large lanthanide-containing polytungstoarsenate aggregates

Three large cerium-containing polytungstoarsenate aggregates have been synthesized via a step-by-step assembly process. Reaction of Na(9)[AsW(9)O(33)] precursors, ceric sulfate and potassium citrate in an acidic aqueous solution at pH = 3 led to the isolation of a new dimeric sandwich-type compound K(9)Na(7)[{Ce(2)O(H(2)O)(5)}{WO(H(2)O)}{AsW(9)O(33)}(2)](2). approximately 48H(2)O. The presence of the citrate anion prevents precipitation of simple lanthanide salts with polyoxometalates. The reaction of compound with alpha-alanine at pH = 2 resulted in the formation of a new alanine-decorated cryptand compound K(2)Na(10)[Ce(4)As(4)W(44)O(151)(ala)(4)(OH)(2)(H(2)O)(10)]. approximately 40H(2)O. The reaction between compound and MnCl(2) at pH = 5 yielded the other inorganic cryptate Mn(0.5)K(5)Na(18)[Ce(4)As(4)W(41)O(149)]. approximately 50H(2)O. All compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, TG analyses, IR, UV-Vis absorption spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), single crystal X-ray diffraction and electrochemical analyses. The crystal data for these compounds: , triclinic, P1[combining macron], a = 12.314(3) A, b = 17.953(4) A, c = 22.355(5) A, alpha = 90.18(3) degrees , beta = 101.97(3) degrees, gamma = 91.08(3) degrees , Z = 1; monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 23.4483(15) A, b = 21.8764(13) A, c = 23.6930(14) A, beta = 111.0560 degrees , Z = 2; , triclinic, P1[combining macron], a = 20.636(4) A, b = 23.000(4) A, c = 25.039(4) A, alpha = 81.991(3) degrees , beta = 73.333(3) degrees, gamma = 74.835(3) degrees, Z = 2. Electrochemical analyses of compounds suggest that tetravalent cerium ion can be stabilized by the polyanions with high negative charges.     

Diatoms: self assembled silica nanostructures, and templates for bio/chemical sensors and biomimetic membranes

In this review we highlight recent advances in the understanding of biosilica production, biomodification of diatom frustules and their subsequent applications in bio/chemical sensors, and as a model membrane for filtration and separation.     

Boronic acid building blocks: tools for self assembly

Dynamic covalent functionality has been acknowledged as a powerful tool for the construction of organised architectures, the reversible nature thermodynamically facilitates self-control and self-correction. The use of boronic acids complexation with diols and their congeners has already shown great promise in realising and developing reversible boron-containing multicomponent systems with dynamic covalent functionality. The structure-directing potential has lead to the development of a variety of self-organisation involving not only macrocycles, cages and capsules, but also porous covalent organic frameworks and polymers. Structure controls as well as remarkable synthesis are highlighted in this feature article.     

A zinc(II) amidine complex: tandem synthesis,structure, and self assembly

A five-coordinate zinc(II) amidine complex, [Zn(DEP)(N₃)₂] (DEP = N′-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)picolinamidine), has been synthesized with 2-cyanopyridine and sodium azide in the presence of zinc(II) acetate dihydrate. The structure of the complex is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The complex crystallizes in triclinic space group P-1 with cell dimensions a = 7.486(5) Å, b = 7.678(5) Å, c = 14.480(5) Å, α?=?96.697(5)°, β = 90.282(5)°, and γ?=?95.716(5)°. The hydrogen bonding interactions in the complex lead to the formation of a 2-D supramolecular network. The complex shows fluorescence with lifetime ~4 ns.     

Molecules to supermolecules and self assembly: a study of some cocrystals of cyanuric acid

The preparation and structure elucidation of cocrystals 1a, 1b, 2a-4a, formed from cyanuric acid (CA) and the aza-donor compounds 4,7-phenanthroline, 1,7-phenanthroline, phenazine and 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, respectively, have been reported. While CA forms different types of self-assembling modes—monomers (1a), dimers (1b and 4a) and infinite tapes (2a and 3a)—the recognition of the constituents, however, is through a triple hydrogen-bonding pattern, consisting of an N-H?N and two C-H?O hydrogen bonds, except in 4a.     

High-tech applications of self-assembling supramolecular nanostructured gel-phase materials: from regenerative medicine to electronic devices

It is likely that nanofabrication will underpin many technologies in the 21st century. Synthetic chemistry is a powerful approach to generate molecular structures that are capable of assembling into functional nanoscale architectures. There has been intense interest in self-assembling low-molecular-weight gelators, which has led to a general understanding of gelation based on the self-assembly of molecular-scale building blocks in terms of non-covalent interactions and packing parameters. The gelator molecules generate hierarchical, supramolecular structures that are macroscopically expressed in gel formation. Molecular modification can therefore control nanoscale assembly, a process that ultimately endows specific material function. The combination of supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine allows application-based materials to be developed. Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering using molecular gels as nanostructured scaffolds for the regrowth of nerve cells has been demonstrated in vivo, and the prospect of using self-assembled fibers as one-dimensional conductors in gel materials has captured much interest in the field of nanoelectronics.     

Distinguishing metal halide molecular clusters from perovskite magic sized clusters in the synthesis of metal halide perovskite nanostructures

Background

Research into perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) has uncovered interesting properties compared to their bulk counterparts, including tunable optical properties due to size-dependent quantum confinement effect (QCE). More recently, smaller PNCs with even stronger QCE have been discovered, such as perovskite magic sized clusters (PMSCs) and ligand passivated PbX₂ metal halide molecular clusters (MHMCs) analogous to perovskites.

Objective

This review aims to present recent data comparing and contrasting the optical and structural properties of PQDs, PMSCs, and MHMCs, where CsPbBr₃ PQDs have first excitonic absorption around 520 nm, the corresponding PMSCS have absorption around 420 nm, and ligand passivated MHMCs absorb around 400 nm.

Results

Compared to normal perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), these clusters exhibit both a much bluer optical absorption and emission and larger surface-to-volume (S/V) ratio. Due to their larger S/V ratio, the clusters tend to have more surface defects that require more effective passivation for stability.

Conclusion

Recent study of novel clusters has led to better understanding of their properties. The sharper optical bands of clusters indicate relatively narrow or single size distribution, which, in conjunction with their blue absorption and emission, makes them potentially attractive for applications in fields such as blue single photon emission.     

Morphology-controlled assembly of ZnO nanostructures: a bioinspired method and visible luminescence

In a bioinspired methodology, positively charged polypeptides and polyamines directly catalyse ZnO mineralization under "green" conditions of room temperature and neutral pH. The polyamines not only act as mineralizing agents for the formation of ZnO nanoparticles, but also self-assemble the nanoparticles to form spindle-like morphologies at these very ambient conditions. Both the directional growth of ZnO and its luminescent property have a pH dependency. At higher pH, the ZnO shape changes to a rodlike morphology that exhibits green photoluminescence with different intensity than that for ZnO spindles.     

Mixed transition-metal oxides@carbon core-shell nanostructures derived from heterometallic clusters for enhanced lithium storage

Multicomponent binary metal oxide-involved hybrid structures with unique physicochemical properties have received extensive attention due to their fascinating electrochemical performance. Herein, a flexible strategy, which involves the preparation of dual-functional heterometallic Fe₂M clusters and their subsequent sintering treatment, is developed to engineer novel 3D hierarchical porous structures assembled with MFe₂O₄（M = Co, Mn, Ni and Zn） nanoparticles confi...