Multi-modulation for self-assemblies of amphiphilic rigid-soft compounds through alteration of solution polarity and temperature.

Li, Xiaoying; Poon, Chun-Ting; Hong, Eugene Yau-Hin; Wong, Hok-Lai; Chan, Alan Kwun-Wa; Wu, Lixin; Yam, Vivian Wing-Wah · Soft Matter · 2017

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

A new class of small molecule-based amphiphilic carbazole-containing compounds has been designed and synthesized. Detailed analysis of the temperature- and solvent-dependent UV-vis absorption spectra has provided insights into the cooperative self-assembly mechanism of the carbazole-containing compounds. Interestingly, the prepared amphiphilic rigid-soft compounds were also found to display a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior in aqueous solution, which is relatively less explored in small molecule-based materials, leading to promising candidates for the design of a new class of thermo-responsive materials.