Non-equilibrium Nanoassemblies Constructed by Confined Coordination on a Polymer Chain

Abstract

Biological systems employ non-equilibrium self-assembly to create ordered nanoarchitectures with sophisticated functions. However, it is challenging to construct artificial non-equilibrium nanoassemblies due to lack of control over assembly dynamics and kinetics. Herein, we design a series of linear polymers with different side groups for further coordination-driven self-assembly based on shape-complementarity. Such a design introduces a main-chain confinement which effectively slows down the assembly process of side groups, thus allowing us to monitor the real-time evolution of lychee-like nanostructures. The function related to the non-equilibrium nature is further explored by performing photothermal conversion study. The ability to observe and capture non-equilibrium states in this supramolecular system will enhance our understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic features as well as functions of living systems.