Controllable 1D, 2D and 3D supramolecular assemblies of Ir(iii) complexes†

Due to the rich variety of structural motifs, the fabrication of size-controllable two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular assemblies of small molecules through seeded self-assembly remains a huge challenge. Herein, we report the successful construction of size-controllable supramolecular assemblies of one-dimensional (1D) nanofibers, 2D nanosheets and 3D nanoblocks via multistep seeded self-assembly of reasonably designed Ir(III) complexes. The results demonstrate that the regulation of self-assembly driving forces in three dimensions can be achieved through specific monomer design. Thus, 3D assemblies of an Ir(III) complex with synergistic interactions in three dimensions can be constructed smoothly. This work provides ideas for the monomer design of multidimensional supramolecular assemblies.