Exploring fullerene-based superlattices self-assembled via giant molecules
Xing-Han Li,
Xiaoyi Kuang,
Xian-You Liu,
Huanyu Lei,
Xiao-Yun Yan,
Weiyi Li,
Yaowen Deng,
Yuean Wu,
Qing-Yun Guo,
Stephen Z.D. Cheng
Affiliations
Xing-Han Li
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Xiaoyi Kuang
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Xian-You Liu
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Huanyu Lei
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Xiao-Yun Yan
School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States
Weiyi Li
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Yaowen Deng
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Yuean Wu
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Qing-Yun Guo
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States; Corresponding authors.
Stephen Z.D. Cheng
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, United States; Corresponding authors.
Fullerene, as a novel building block of functional materials, possesses a wide range of intriguing properties, some of which are closely related to hierarchical structures. Advancing the methodology for manipulating fullerene hierarchical structures could facilitate developments of novel fullerene-based materials with desired properties. In the present work, we report our exploration of a series of fullerene-based unconventional spherical packing nanostructures, including Frank-Kasper (FK) A15 and σ phases as well as dodecagonal quasicrystalline (DDQC) phase in unary self-assembly systems of fullerene-based giant molecules. Also, in giant molecule binary blends, alloy-type spherical phases with high volume asymmetries such as FK Laves C14 (MgZn2) and C15 (MgCu2) phases and quasi-FK AlB2 phase can also be found. These observations showcase the feasibility of fabricating a wide range of fullerene-based superlattices through self-assembly of specifically designed giant molecules. Superlattice engineering offers a promising avenue for constructing specific structures and functions in order to achieve desired properties, in particular, for developing innovative fullerene-based materials.
