Gigantic supramolecular assemblies built from dynamic hierarchical organization between inorganic nanospheres and porphyrins

Noncovalent ionic interactions between nanosized Keplerate-type capsules {Mo-132} and tetra-cationic porphyrins have been investigated in aqueous solution using small-angle X-ray scattering, H-1 NMR and photophysical methods. These complementary multiscale methods reveal the formation of large hybrid oligomers built from a short-range organization in which the cationic porphyrin is glued onto the large POM surface. The local structuring appears to be strongly dependent on the dye : {Mo-132} ratio changing the morphology of the oligomers from linear to dense aggregates.

Automated summary

The noncovalent ionic interactions between nanosized Keplerate-type capsules {Mo-132} and tetra-cationic porphyrins in aqueous solution have been investigated, and it is found that these interactions lead to the formation of large hybrid oligomers with a short-range organization. The morphology of the oligomers varies from linear to dense aggregates depending on the ratio of dye to {Mo-132}.