posted on 2021-07-23, 18:39authored byRinat Nigmatullin, Peterson de Andrade, Robert Harniman, Robert A. Field, Stephen J. Eichhorn
The
design of new functional materials and devices substantially
relies on self-assembly of hierarchical structures. Formation of 2D
platelets is known in the enzymatic synthesis of cellulose-like polymers.
Here we demonstrate the feasibility of postsynthesis assembly of novel
fluorinated cellodextrins. Highly ordered 2D structures of large lateral
dimensions, unattainable in the polymerization process, can be formed
because of postsynthesis assembly of the cellodextrins. These cellodextrins
were also involved in coassembly with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)
leading to hybrid systems. The hybrid architectures obtained depend
on the content of fluorine atoms in the fluorinated cellodextrins.
Monofluorinated cellodextrins coassemble with CNCs into a nanoweb,
while multifluorinated cellodextrins assemble around the CNCs.