Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
Supramolecular chemistry is the study of entities of greater complexity than individual molecules — assemblies of molecules that bond and organize through intermolecular interactions. The design and synthesis of supramolecular systems invokes interactions beyond the covalent bond, using, for example, hydrogen bonding, metal coordination and π interactions to bring discrete building blocks together.
A permanently porous framework is assembled and stabilized solely through noncovalent chalcogen-bonding interactions between molecular building blocks. These intermolecular interactions influence the electronic structure, lattice dynamics and structural regeneration, giving rise to a distinct ensemble of material properties.
Aggregation usually quenches the excited states of organic dyes, limiting photocatalysis. Now it has been shown that supramolecular aggregation of amphiphilic chromophores can rigidify the molecules, stabilize localized reactive excited states and enable light-driven H2 and H2O2 production in water, establishing aggregation-induced photocatalysis as a general design principle.
Circularized polarized luminescence is promising for photonics, though balancing material and photophysical properties is challenging. Here the authors use a liquid crystal system for chiroptical applications.
Porous frameworks assembled from biologically derived building blocks have diverse potential applications. Here, the authors report the development of crystalline mesoporous frameworks fabricated from the self-assembly of amphiphilic collagen-mimetic peptides.
A permanently porous organic framework assembled and stabilized solely by non-covalent chalcogen bonding is reported. Empirical and computational studies reveal the characteristic influence of the operative Te···N chalcogen bonds on assembly, electronic structure, framework regeneration and lattice dynamics.
The supramolecular PE-A polymer-functionalized GO membrane system effectively enhances the structural characteristics and surface physical properties of GO nanosheets to achieve desirable nanofiltration performance.
Isocyanate groups are excellent precursors for the synthesis of polyurethanes and polyureas however they degrade with atmospheric moisture. Here, the authors report the encapsulation of isocyanates within crystalline pillar[n]arene macrocycles that provides both high protection efficiency and facile deprotection of isocyanate compounds.
A permanently porous framework is assembled and stabilized solely through noncovalent chalcogen-bonding interactions between molecular building blocks. These intermolecular interactions influence the electronic structure, lattice dynamics and structural regeneration, giving rise to a distinct ensemble of material properties.
Ahead of his 70th birthday, Takuzo Aida, Group Director at RIKEN and Distinguished University Professor at the University of Tokyo, discussed his research career.
Single-crystalline two-dimensional poly(arylene vinylene) frameworks are emerging as promising materials for electronic and photocatalytic applications. Now, a Mannich-elimination strategy enables their synthesis via topological conversion of imine covalent organic frameworks. Preserving lattice order during the linkage transformation is key for achieving enhanced conjugation and robust electronic performance.
Condensates are often treated as equilibrium droplets, yet they can be remodeled by transient environmental cues. Now, a study shows how the rate of a pH change determines whether droplets stay uniform or develop vacuoles.
Sophie Beeren discusses the development of cyclodextrins, moving from laboratory curiosities to common ingredients in daily products, active pharmaceutical ingredients and building blocks for supramolecular chemistry.
