Recording the Self-Assembly Behavior of Nanomaterials Directed by Hydrogen Bonding

Controllable self-assembly is of great significance to the design and development of materials, determined by a complex interplay between the molecular interactions, kinetics, and entropic effects at the interface. So any comprehensive understanding of self-assembly behaviors was considered to be a challenge. We report a step-by-step mechanical action of the W-based complex powder and recorded the self-assembly behaviors like cine film with TEM images. The whole assembly process of a W-based complex from nanoparticle to nanosheets and, finally, to 1D well-shaped hollow nanotubes was presented completely. When affected by hydrogen bonding of water, the same complex was assembled to 3D spongy structures which transformated to an ultrathin 2D WO3 film with a superficial area as large as 80 mm(2) after heating at 700 degrees C.

Automated summary

Controllable self-assembly plays a crucial role in the design and development of materials, with various factors influencing the process. Understanding and controlling self-assembly behaviors is considered a challenge, but studying the mechanical action of W-based complex powder provides insights into the formation of diverse structures and shapes.