Dynamic supramolecular systems at interfaces

Abstract

Nanotechnology from a bottom-up approach relies heavily on supramolecular chemistry that can potentially provide nano- and microstructures with molecular level precision of internal configurations through low-energy spontaneous processes. Moreover, supramolecular assemblies at the two-dimensional interface have great potential to be integrated into artificial devices. Studies on supramolecular chemistry at interfaces are, therefore, highly relevant for the development of nanotechnology. Another distinct aspect of supermolecules exists in their advanced dynamic properties that are anticipated to provide various stimuli-responsive systems. Here, we summarise the recent literature describing the dynamic behaviours of supermolecules at interfaces and supramolecular chemistry at dynamic interfaces categorised into three classes: (i) dynamic behaviour at solid surfaces, (ii) supermolecules at dynamic interfaces in liquid media and (iii) supermolecules at the air–water interface.

Keywords:

• dynamic function
• interface
• molecular assembly
• molecular recognition
• supramolecular material

Acknowledgements

This work was partly supported by World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI Initiative), MEXT, Japan, and Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST) Program of Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan.