Noncovalent water-based materials: Robust yet adaptive

Elisha Krieg, Boris Rybtchinski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The adaptive properties of noncovalent materials allow easy processing, facile recycling, self-healing, and stimuli responsiveness. However, the poor robustness of noncovalent systems has hampered their use in real-life applications. In this Concept Article we discuss the possibility of creating robust noncovalent arrays by utilizing strong hydrophobic interactions. We describe examples from our work on aqueous assemblies based on aromatic amphiphiles with extended hydrophobic cores. These arrays exhibit fascinating properties, including robustness, multiple stimuli-responsiveness, and pathway-dependent self-assembly. We have shown that this can lead to functional materials (filtration membranes) rivaling covalent systems. We anticipate that water-based noncovalent materials have the potential to replace or complement conventional polymer materials in various fields, and to promote novel applications that require the combination of robustness and adaptivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9016-9026
Number of pages11
JournalChemistry-A European Journal
Volume17
Issue number33
DOIs
StatePublished - 8 Aug 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Catalysis
  • Organic Chemistry

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