Nano- and microstructure fabrication by using a three-component system.

Two-component amphiphiles based on hydrogen-bonded complexes between terephthaloylbisalanine (H(2)TBA) and dodecylamine (DA) are able to self-assemble into nano- and microsized superstructures in an aqueous solvent. It is possible to modulate the morphology of these self-assembled superstructures by modifying the composition of the complexes, which can be achieved by changing the molar ratio of the two components or by changing the chirality of H(2)TBA. For example, right-handed microhelical ribbon structures were formed with L-TBA(1.0)DA(2.0), whereas in the case of rac-TBA(1.0)DA(2.0), flat ribbonlike structures were observed. Although L-TBA(1.0)DA(1.0) exhibited entangled fibrous structures, rac-TBA(1.0)DA(1.0) exhibited wire structures. Different ratios of H(2)TBA and DA were self-assembled into fiber-, wire-, and tubulelike superstructures, as well as monoclinic, columnar, and lamellar aggregation patterns. The self-assembled superstructures of TBA(x)DA(y) were significantly changed by adding metal ions. Transition metal (Cd(II), Co(II), and Zn(II)) complexes with L-TBA(x)DA(y) self-assembled into rod-, tubule-, wire-, and platelike superstructures. Metal-ion complexes with rac-TBA(x)DA(y) exhibited different superstructures. Our work suggests that it is possible to fabricate a wide variety of nano- and microsized superstructures by using two- and three-component amphiphiles.

Organic single-nanofiber transistors from organogels.

The self-assembly of molecules in a gel by strong pi-pi stacking interactions between the thienylvinylene anthracene backbones and van der Waals interactions between the long alkyl chains has generated nanofibers; from the organogels, organic single-nanofiber transistors were successfully embodied.

Self-assembled organic microtubes from amphiphilic molecules.

Getting the sizes sorted out: In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of reports about self-assembled nano- or microtubular structures because of their potential uses in a variety of technical applications, which are largely determined by the tube sizes. This Focus Review highlights microsized self-assembled organic tubular structures formed in aqueous solutions and organic solvents. In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of reports about self-assembled nano- or microtubular structures, because they have potential uses in nanofabrication, purification, medical, and encapsulation applications. A wide range of tubular structures have been constructed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules in aqueous solution or organic solvents. The diameters of self-assembled tubular structures range between 10 nm and 30 mum. One of the most important factors that determine their suitability for technical applications is the size of the tubes. Therefore, analyzing and sorting tubular structures according to their size is essential. This Focus Review highlights microsized self-assembled organic tubular structures formed in aqueous solutions and organic solvents.