Supramolecular Materials via Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly

This review discusses the potential of block copolymer type macromolecular building blocks for the preparation of self‐assembled materials. Three different classes of block copolymer type architectures will be distinguished: (i) coil–coil diblock copolymers, (ii) rod–coil diblock copolymers, and (iii) rod–coil diblock oligomers. The basic principles that underlie the self‐assembly of each of these different building blocks will be discussed. These theoretical considerations are complemented with examples from recent literature that illustrate the potential of the different types of block copolymers to prepare (functional) supramolecular materials. Finally, several strategies will be presented that could allow the preparation of stimuli‐sensitive self‐assembled materials, i.e., materials whose properties can be reversibly manipulated under the action of appropriate external stimuli.     

Inside Front Cover: A Supramolecular Approach to Optically Anisotropic Materials: Photosensitive Ionic Self‐Assembly Complexes (Adv. Mater. 16/2006)

Application of the supramolecular synthesis strategy ionic self‐assembly for the facile production of low‐molecular‐weight photosensitive materials is presented on p. 2133 by Stumpe, Faul, and Zakrevskyy. The materials so synthesized possess good film‐forming properties, are capable of undergoing light‐induced generation of optical anisotropy, and possess dichroic ratios of approximately 50.     

Self‐Assembly of Functional Molecules into 1D Crystalline Nanostructures

Self‐assembled functional nanoarchitectures are employed as important nanoscale building blocks for advanced materials and smart miniature devices to fulfill the increasing needs of high materials usage efficiency, low energy consumption, and high‐performance devices. One‐dimensional (1D) crystalline nanostructures, especially molecule‐composed crystalline nanostructures, attract significant attention due to their fascinating infusion structure and functionality which enables the easy tailoring of organic molecules with excellent carrier mobility and crystal stability. In this review, we discuss the recent progress of 1D crystalline self‐assembled nanostructures of functional molecules, which include both a small molecule‐derived and a polymer‐based crystalline nanostructure. The basic principles of the molecular structure design and the process engineering of 1D crystalline nanostructures are also discussed. The molecular building blocks, self‐assembly structures, and their applications in optical, electrical, and photoelectrical devices are overviewed and we give a brief outlook on crucial issues that need to be addressed in future research endeavors.