Controlling Self-Sorting versus Co-assembly in Supramolecular Gels

Abstract

Supramolecular gels formed by the combination of different organic molecules are of significant interest in the search of new functional materials. When two different molecules are mixed to form gels, the self-assembled fibres can be a result of self-sorting or co-assembly. A key challenge is to control the network type. Here, we demonstrate that control over the network type can be achieved either by varying the hydrophobicity of a component or by employing a pH-switch method.