Kinetically controlled self-assembly of Zn-porphyrin nanostructures via surfactant-assisted micelle formation

Abstract

In this study, we explore the self-assembly of zinc meso-tetra (4-pyridyl) porphyrin (Zn-TPyP) into nanotubes via a surfactant-assisted micelle formation strategy under kinetic control. Incorporating a chiral surfactant bearing alkyl chains and carboxylic acid groups proved essential for stabilizing micelle formation, thereby suppressing spontaneous assembly into thermodynamically favored structures. This encapsulation-induced micelle formation enables the kinetically controlled nucleation and anisotropic growth of Zn-TPyP nanotubes. Notably, the resulting nanotubes exhibited photocatalytic activity by effectively degrading methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. Our study provides mechanistic insight into kinetic control of self-assembly processes and demonstrates the potential of micelle encapsulation as a versatile tool for engineering functional metallo-supramolecular materials with tailored functional properties.