Supramolecular nanoribers by self-organization of bola-amphiphiles through a combination of hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions

Supramolecular nanofibers are formed from aqueous solutions of a bola-amphihile, containing two carboxylic end groups and a central pi-pi-stacking moiety. The combined noncovalent interactions form the basis for the successful self-assembly of the fibers. The obtained fibers (see figure), with widths on the nanometer scale and lengths of several micrometers or more, exhibit good thermal stability and interesting emittance properties.