Zexi Zhu, Guohua Zhang, Bao Li, Minghua Liu, Lixin Wu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
During the construction of supramolecular polymers of smaller nanoparticles/nanoclusters bearing hierarchy and homochirality, the mechanism understanding via intuitive visualization and precise cross-scale chirality modulation is still challenging. For this goal, a cooperative self-assembly strategy is here proposed by using ionic complexes with uniform chemical composition comprising polyanionic nanocluster cores and surrounded chiral cationic organic components as monomers for supramolecular polymerization. The single helical polymer chains bearing a core-shell structure at utmost length over 20 μm are demonstrated showing comparable flexibility resembling covalent polymers. A nucleation-elongation growth mechanism that is not dealt with in nanoparticle systems is confirmed to be accompanied by strict chiral self-sorting. A permeable membrane prepared by simple suction of such supramolecular polymers displays high enantioselectivity (e.e. 98% after four runs) for separating histidine derivatives, which discloses a benefiting helical chain structure-induced functionalization for macroscopic supramolecular materials in highly efficient racemate separation.
期刊介绍:
Nature Communications, an open-access journal, publishes high-quality research spanning all areas of the natural sciences. Papers featured in the journal showcase significant advances relevant to specialists in each respective field. With a 2-year impact factor of 16.6 (2022) and a median time of 8 days from submission to the first editorial decision, Nature Communications is committed to rapid dissemination of research findings. As a multidisciplinary journal, it welcomes contributions from biological, health, physical, chemical, Earth, social, mathematical, applied, and engineering sciences, aiming to highlight important breakthroughs within each domain.