Metal-ion-coated graphitic nanotubes: controlled self-assembly of a pyridyl-appended gemini-shaped hexabenzocoronene amphiphile.

ABSTRACT

The assembly line Hexabenzocoronene amphiphiles appended with pyridyl-terminated triethylene glycol side chains, in combination with trans-[Pt(PhCN)(2)Cl(2)], lead to the formation of graphitic nanotubes. The structural features and dimensions of the nanotubes depend on the assembly conditions. A platinum(II)-bridged cyclic dimer having two HBC units self-assembles into a nanotubular structure.