Fig. 4: Increasing surface dynamics, flexibility, and hydration enhances lead remediation.

a–c Pair distance distribution functions from small angle X-ray scattering profiles of compound (1)–(3) nanostructures imply the maintenance of internal organization upon the addition of Pb²⁺ to solutions containing the nanoribbons through the conservation of curve shape and peak locations on the R axis. Nanoribbon thicknesses of ~7–9 nm are extracted from these profiles. d–f Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measures the heat released from the complexation of Pb²⁺ ions with tetraxetan head groups coating the supramolecular assemblies’ surfaces. ITC profiles of compound d, (1); e, (2); and f, (3) nanoribbons with Pb²⁺ and their corresponding fits (darker lines) show increases in the equilibrium binding constant with the addition and extension of OEG linker units between amphiphile surface and internal domains. g Fitting adsorption isotherms of compound (1)–(3) nanoribbons with Pb²⁺ to a Langmuir model (darker lines) reveals a significant enhancement in Pb²⁺ remediation with enhanced surface dynamics. Notably, compound (3) nanoribbons saturate at ~200 mg Pb²⁺ per gram of amphiphile.