Macroscopic helical chirality and self-motion of hierarchical self-assemblies induced by enantiomeric small molecules

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06239-5
• Publication Date: 2018-09-12T15:39:24Z
• Authors: Yang Yang; Jie Liang; Fei Pan; Zhen Wang; Jianqi Zhang; Kamran Amin; Jin Fang; Wenjun Zou; Yuli Chen; Xinghua Shi; Zhixiang Wei
• Keywords: Chirality; Microscale chemistry; Supramolecular chirality; Axial Chirality

Transfer of molecular chirality to supramolecular at nanoscale and microscale by chemical self-assembly has been studied intensively for years. However, how such further transfers the macroscale along same path remains elusive. Here we reveal from level macroscopic via self-assembly. We assemble a macrostripe using enantiomeric camphorsulfonic acid (CSA)-doped polyaniline with hierarchical order. The stripe can twist into single-handed helical ribbon self-motion. A multi-scale chemo-mechanical model is used elucidate mechanism underlying its transfer induction. origin this verified. Results provide comprehensive understanding motion in self-assembled materials even their natural analogues. exhibits disparate actuation behaviour under stimuli amines integrating chiral perception self-motion may motivate biomimetic studies smart materials.