A macroion, having anisotropic surface charge density distribution, shows unique self-assembly behaviour in polar solvents. Regular “blackberry”-like assemblies form in methanol–water mixtures due to counter-ion mediated attraction and the strong contribution of hydrogen bonding. However, rod-like assemblies form in acetone–water mixtures as the charge inhomogeneity effect overcomes the non-directional hydrogen bonding.
Chemical Communications
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