Issue 5, 2010

Creation of photo-modulated multi-state and multi-scale molecular assembliesvia binary-state molecular switch

Abstract

The creation of photo-modulated multi-state and multi-scale molecular self-assemblies was realized by the ingenuous utilization of a binary-state molecular switch, sodium (4-phenylazo-phenoxy)-acetate (AzoNa). Depending on the irradiation time, the binary state of the azobenzene group (i.e. trans/cis isomerization) can be exploited to generate multi-state nanostructures (including wormlike micelle, vesicle, lamellar structure, small micelle) by the coupling of conventional surfactant CTAB. Meanwhile, the conformation transition of azobenzene at molecular scale (∼Å), stimulated by light input can be amplified to regulate molecular architectures at mesoscopic scale (from nanometer to micrometer), leading to significant changes in solution property at macroscopic scale (naked-eye visible scale). By exposing to UV or visible light, the multi-state and multi-scale molecular self-assemblies can be reversibly controlled. It is proposed that light-triggered structural changes in the dipole moment and geometry of azobenzene group, which impart a significant effect upon molecular packing of surfactant aggregates, were responsible for this peculiar phenomenon.

Graphical abstract: Creation of photo-modulated multi-state and multi-scale molecular assemblies via binary-state molecular switch

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
13 Aug 2009
Accepted
26 Nov 2009
First published
14 Jan 2010

Soft Matter, 2010,6, 902-908

Creation of photo-modulated multi-state and multi-scale molecular assemblies via binary-state molecular switch

Y. Lin, X. Cheng, Y. Qiao, C. Yu, Z. Li, Y. Yan and J. Huang, Soft Matter, 2010, 6, 902 DOI: 10.1039/B916721H

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