Feature Article
Layer-by-layer designer nanoarchitectonics for physical and chemical communications in functional materials
In nanoarchitectonics approaches, rational physical and chemical communications will lead to the development of more advanced functional materials. Layer-by-layer assembly can be a powerful tool for this purpose, as exemplified in this feature paper.
Self-assembly of peptide nanomaterials at biointerfaces: molecular design and biomedical applications
Self-assembly of peptides at biointerfaces for drug delivery, antibacterial strategies, cancer therapy, etc.
2D superlattices via interfacial self-assembly of polymer-grafted Au nanoparticles
In this feature article, we summarize the recent progress on 2D superlattices by interfacial self-assembly of polymer-grafted Au nanoparticles and their properties and applications in nano-floating gate memory devices.
Interface-mediated protein aggregation
Interfaces play a pivotal role in governing the assembly and aggregation of biopolymers, providing valuable insights into functions of biopolymer materials. A range of exquisite structures are formed through well-planned interactions between biological components and surfaces or interfaces.
Interfacial polymerization at unconventional interfaces: an emerging strategy to tailor thin-film composite membranes
This review summarizes recent advancements in the customization of interfacial polymerization using interfaces beyond the conventional alkane–water interface, with the aim of achieving high-performance separation films.
Chiral probes for biosensing
The article provides an overview of recent advances in chiral nanomaterials for biosensing applications, including individual chiral nanoparticles, chiral assemblies, and chiral 2D film-based sensors.
Anisotropic lens-shaped mesoporous carbon from interfacially perpendicular self-assembly for potassium-ion batteries
Anisotropic lens-shaped nitrogen-doped carbon (Lens-NMC) with unidirectionally aligned mesopores was achieved via perpendicular block copolymer self-assembly at the polymer interface.
Photochemically deoxygenating micelles for protecting TTA-UC against oxygen quenching
Pluronic F127 and P123 micelles are self-deoxygenating nanocapsules in which efficient TTA-UC can be achieved in air.
Layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes on hydrophobic particles in aqueous milieu for efficient dye removal
Layer-by-layer assembly of strong polyelectrolytes on hydrophobic particles is effectively implemented in degassed saline water as a result of delicate regulation of intermolecular interactions.
Entropy-driven formation of binary superlattices assembled from polymer-tethered nanorods and nanospheres
Binary superlattices with tunable internal structures by adjusting the ratio of effective diameter (deff) of the polymer tethered spherical nanoparticles to the size of the polymer domain (L) between the adjacent gold nanorods are prepared.
Methanol–water mixture evaporation-induced self-assembly of ZIF-8 particles
The self-assembly of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles induced by the evaporation of a methanol–water mixture.
About this collection
Molecular and colloidal self-assembly holds great promise for the generation of functional materials and devices with complex structures. Guest Edited by Professors Shutao Wang (Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China) and Zhihong Nie (Fudan University, China), this special collection highlights the exciting developments in the field of Interfacial Self-assembly including its synthesis. Interfaces including gas/liquid, liquid/liquid and liquid/solid offer an ideal template for the self-assembly of various building blocks, such as small molecules, polymers, nanoparticles, and sub-micro/microparticles. These interfaces can be engineered to span length scales from nanometer to centimeter (or even larger) for meeting different needs of self-assembly. As a result, interfacial self-assembly and synthesis are particularly promising for future expansion into large-scale manufacturing in industrial production. This collection intends to present the trends and emerging interests in the interfacial self-assembly and synthesis, ranging from strategic development, to fundamental understanding, and to application discovery.