Rational Route Toward the Frank–Kasper Z Phase: Effect of Precise Geometrical Tuning on the Supramolecular Assembly of Giant Shape Amphiphiles

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c01120
• Publication Date: 2021-08-23T20:57:16Z
• Authors: Jiahao Huang; Ruimeng Zhang; Yicong Wang; Zebin Su; Xiao-Yun Yan; Qing-Yun Guo; Tong Liu; Yuchu Liu; Huanyu Lei; Mingjun Huang; Wei Zhang; Stephen Z. D. Cheng
• Keywords: Soft matter; Component (thermodynamics); Rational design

Theoretically, 27 types of Frank–Kasper (FK) phases could be constructed with three cornerstones, the FK A15, C15, and Z phases. They are all spherical packing composed motifs. In single-component soft matter, experimental observation(s) A15 phase is common while C15 rare. Recently, a serendipitous observation an significant volume asymmetry constructing motifs from giant shape amphiphile assembly has been reported. it anticipated that consisting μ ± 1 molecules readily reached when small. Herein, we present design strategy to precisely control number inside motif by geometrical tuning molecular building blocks, thus leading formation in rational manner.