Abstract
Noncovalent systems are adaptive and allow facile processing and recycling. Can they be at the same time robust? How can one rationally design such systems? Can they compete with high-performance covalent materials? The recent literature reveals that noncovalent systems can be robust yet adaptive, self-healing, and recyclable, featuring complex nanoscale structures and unique functions. We review such systems, focusing on the rational design of strong noncovalent interactions, kinetically controlled pathway-dependent processes, complexity, and function. The overview of the recent examples points at the emergent field of noncovalent nanomaterials that can represent a versatile, multifunctional, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional covalent systems.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6791-6818 |
| Number of pages | 28 |
| Journal | ACS nano |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sep 27 2011 |
Keywords
- adaptive materials
- adaptivity
- complexity
- host-guest interactions
- hydrogel
- hydrogen bond
- hydrophobic interactions
- ionic self-assembly
- kinetic control
- nanomaterials
- nanoparticle assembly
- nanoparticles
- nanostructure
- noncovalent bond
- noncovalent network
- noncovalent synthesis
- nonequilibrium self-assembly
- pathway-dependent self-assembly
- recyclable material
- recycling
- self-assembly
- self-assembly mechanism
- stimuli-responsive materials
- supramolecular gel
- supramolecular multivalency
- supramolecular polymer
- supramolecular reaction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Materials Science(all)
- Engineering(all)
- Physics and Astronomy(all)