Nano-Objects by Spontaneous Electrostatic Self-Assembly in Aqueous Solution

Zika A, Krieger A, Gröhn F (2022)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes

Publication year: 2022

Publisher: Springer

Edited Volumes: Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Electrostatic Interactions

City/Town: Cham

Pages Range: 119-167

ISBN: 978-3-031-00656-2

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-00657-9_5

Abstract

Electrostatic self-assembly for the formation ofwell-defined nano-objects in solution represents an emerging field. The key is to use building blocks with a certain geometry and/or a combination of noncovalent interaction types. Polyelectrolytes providing both stability and designability are especially valuable. Central for a targeted design is the fundamental understanding of structure-directing effects. This chapter addresses both an introduction to the field of spontaneous electrostatic self-assembly as well as the state of the art of its understanding. It commences from the special effects of polyelectrolytes, shortly pictures the established areas of polyelectrolyte complexes and block polyelectrolyte micelles, before focusing on novel approaches: Besides discussing the interplay of ionic and p-p interaction in a dendrimer-dye model system, we elucidate how thermodynamics encodes the nanoscale structure: the free energy determines the aggregation number but the entropy/enthalpy ratio the nano-object’s shape. The approach’s versatility applicable for building blocks from linear or cylindrical brush polyelectrolytes, proteins, DNA, polyoxometalate clusters tomicelles is demonstrated.We provide examples of photocatalytic activity and triggering of the nano-objects’ size, shape, or function (e.g., enzyme activity) by addressing multiple stimuli such as pH and light. This includes the novel use of photoacids as interconnecting counterions with light-switchable valency.

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How to cite

APA:

Zika, A., Krieger, A., & Gröhn, F. (2022). Nano-Objects by Spontaneous Electrostatic Self-Assembly in Aqueous Solution. In M. Ali Aboudzadeh, Antonio Frontera (Eds.), Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Electrostatic Interactions. (pp. 119-167). Cham: Springer.

MLA:

Zika, Alexander, Anja Krieger, and Franziska Gröhn. "Nano-Objects by Spontaneous Electrostatic Self-Assembly in Aqueous Solution." Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Electrostatic Interactions. Ed. M. Ali Aboudzadeh, Antonio Frontera, Cham: Springer, 2022. 119-167.

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