pubs.acs.org/Langmuir © 2011 American Chemical Society
Preface to the Supramolecular Chemistry at Interfaces Special Issue Supramolecular chemistry refers to the behavior of molecular assemblies formed through weak, noncovalent bonding interactions. In other words, it is a chemistry beyond the molecule, aimed at studying molecular assemblies and revealing the physical interactions behind the formation of these molecular assemblies. As initiated by J. M. Lehn, supramolecular chemistry has led to some unique concepts and systems, thus resulting in a new subdivision in the family of chemistry. In the meantime, it also provides an understanding of supramolecular phenomena and offers new insights into the development of many traditional subjects. In general, it heralds many promises that range from biomimetics to the creation of programmable and controllable engineering of supramolecular soft materials. In nature, many biotransformation, matter transportation, and energy transduction processes begin with interfacial molecular recognition. The regulation of interfacial molecular recognition allows for controlling these processes, leading to an understanding of bioprocesses and the development of new materials and medicines. In addition, the need for improved miniaturization of microelectronics and molecular devices has inspired many investigations into supramolecular chemistry, and the performance of these devices can be influenced significantly by the composition of the interface. Different interfaces, such as gas-liquid, liquid-liquid, or liquid-solid, can be employed to control molecular packing and composition. Although there are questions about the practical application of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films because of their long-term stability, they provide a good example of controlling molecular orientation at a gas-liquid interface. The formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAM) through chemisorptions of surface-active molecules at a liquid-solid interface is a powerful method for modifying the physical or chemical properties of surfaces. Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is an important method that is complementary to the above methods. When LbL assembly is carried out on round particles, microcapsules with the desired composition and structure can be formed after the template particles are removed. The combination of supramolecular chemistry with interfaces blends and enhances the development of supramolecular chemistry as well as colloid and interface science. Supramolecular chemistry at interfaces allows for the construction of various smart and soft surfaces that can adapt to environmental changes, for instance, biomimetic surfaces and self-cleaning surfaces. To put it generally, the features of interfaces facilitate the formation of molecular assemblies of a broad range of complexity and with controlled structures and architectures. Various interfaces can be employed to study the weak, noncovalent interactions that are the key forces in supramolecular and interfacial chemistry. Moreover, different interfacial characterization methods may be used to monitor the process of assembly and structure evolution, and the physical insights obtained in this way can provide guidance for the development of molecular assemblies. When molecular assemblies are formed on the substrates of a transducer, we are able to realize the unification of the fabrication of materials and devices into a single step. Enormous supramolecular devices have been reported, such as electrical and optical switches, logical gates, storage, and sensors. It should be noted that whereas many device functions work well in solution, there are issues when the same systems are transferred to solid surfaces. There remains a great challenge to fabricate supramolecular devices that work well on solid substrates. In editing this special issue, we have had great help and cooperation from many people. We thank the scientific committee, including David W. Grainger (University of Utah), Jurriaan Huskens (University of Twente), Nobuo Kimizuka (Kyushu University), Bart Jan Ravoo (University of M€unster), and Christian Salesse (Universite Laval), who recommended many wonderful authors, some senior and some emerging young investigators, from 13 countries. We thank Dr. Huaping Xu, the editorial assistant at the Tsinghua Langmuir office for his help and assistance. Last but not least, our special thanks goes to all of the invited authors as well as reviewers. This special issue could not happen without your active participation and important contribution. Xi Zhang Senior Editor, Tsinghua University, PR China David G. Whitten Editor-in-Chief, The University of New Mexico, United States
Langmuir 2011, 27(4), 1245–1245
Published on Web 02/08/2011
DOI: 10.1021/la104879j
1245
