Composition-Dependent Structural Modulation in st-PMMA/C60 Inclusion Complex Fiber and Its Influence on Vapochromic Response

Abstract

In multicomponent self-assembly, the chemical and compositional diversity of functional molecules governs the formation of complex architectures with distinct functionalities. However, the influence of composition in host–guest systems has rarely been explored. Therefore, this study investigates composition-driven structural modulation in the st-PMMA/C₆₀ complex system. Tuning the encapsulation ratio (E-ratio) of C₆₀ not only regulates the accumulation of C₆₀s molecules within the st-PMMA supramolecular helices but also modulates the composition of the st-PMMA/C₆₀ helical bundles in the semicrystalline morphology. Variations in these hierarchical structures subsequently affect the vapochromism of the st-PMMA/C₆₀ complex. At low E-ratios, isolated C₆₀s molecules within the st-PMMA helices do not trigger a vapochromic response to aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At a moderate E-ratio of 15 wt %, the st-PMMA/C₆₀ complex forms optimal hierarchical structures, allowing aromatic VOCs to efficiently intercalate into the st-PMMA/C₆₀ helices and perturb the π-conjugation of C₆₀s. However, at the maximum E-ratio, the st-PMMA/C₆₀ complex loses its vapochromic response since the fully occupied supramolecular helices no longer encapsulate aromatic VOCs. Furthermore, the application of electrospinning to fabricate complex fibers increases the surface area, thereby improving the vapochromic response. Thus, this study highlights that hierarchical structures and vapochromic performance can be modulated by tuning the composition of host–guest systems.