Molecular folding governs switchable singlet oxygen photoproduction in porphyrin-decorated bistable rotaxanes

Rotaxanes are mechanically interlocked molecules where a ring (macrocycle) is threaded onto a linear molecule (thread). The position of the macrocycle on different stations on the thread can be controlled in response to external stimuli, making rotaxanes applicable as molecular switches. Here we show that bistable rotaxanes based on the combination of a Zn(II) tetraphenylporphyrin photosensitizer, attached to the macrocycle, and a black-hole-quencher, attached to the thread, are capable of singlet oxygen production which can be switched on/off by the addition of base/acid. However, we found that only a sufficiently long linker between both stations on the thread enabled switchability, and that the direction of switching was inversed with regard to the original design. This unexpected behavior was attributed to intramolecular folding of the rotaxanes, as indicated by extensive theoretical calculations. This evidences the importance to take into account the conformational flexibility of large molecular structures when designing functional switchable systems.

Anion-Coordination Foldamer-Based Polymer Network: from Molecular Spring to Elastomer

Foldamer is a scaled-down version of coil spring, which can absorb and release energy by conformational change. Here, polymer networks with high density of molecular springs were developed by employing anion-coordination-based foldamers as the monomer. The coiling of the foldamer is controlled by oligo(urea) ligands coordinating to chloride ions; subsequently, the folding and unfolding of foldamer conformations endow the polymer network with excellent energy dissipation and toughness. The mechanical performance of the corresponding polymer networks shows a dramatic increase from P-L2UCl (non-folding), to P-L4UCl (a full turn), and then to P-L6UCl (1.5 turns), in terms of strength (2.62 MPa; 14.26 MPa; 22.93 MPa), elongation at break (70 %; 325 %; 352 %), Young's modulus (2.69 MPa; 63.61 MPa; 141.50 MPa), and toughness (1.12 MJ/m3; 21.39 MJ/m3; 49.62 MJ/m3), respectively, which is also better than those without anion centers and the non-foldamer based counterparts. Moreover, P-L6UCl shows enhanced strength and toughness than most of the molecular-spring based polymer networks. Thus, an effective strategy for designing high-performance anion-coordination-based materials is presented.

Small Ionic-Liquid-Based Molecule Drives Strong Adhesives

Nature has inspired scientists to fabricate adhesive materials for applications in many burgeoning areas. However, it is still a significant challenge to develop small-molecule adhesives with high-strength, low-temperature and recyclable properties, although these merits are of great interest in various aspects. Herein, we report a series of strong adhesives based on low-molecular-weight molecular solids driven by the terminal modification of ionic liquids (ILs) and subsequent supramolecular self-assembly. The emergence of high strength and liquid-to-solid transitions for these supramolecular aggregates relies on modifying IL with a high melting point motif and enriching the types of noncovalent interactions in the original ILs. Using this strategy, we demonstrate that our IL-based molecular solids can efficiently obtain a high adhesion strength (up to 8.95 MPa). Importantly, we elucidate the mechanism underlying the reversible and strong adhesion enabled by monomer-to-polymer transitions. These fundamental findings provide guidance for the design of high-performance supramolecular adhesive materials.

Mechanically Interlocked Polymers with Dense Mechanical Bonds

ConspectusMechanically interlocked polymers (MIPs) such as polyrotaxanes and polycatenanes are polymer architectures that incorporate mechanical bonds, which represent a compelling frontier in polymer science. MIPs with cross-linked structures are known as mechanically interlocked networks (MINs) and are widely utilized in materials science. Leveraging the motion of mechanical bonds, MINs hold the potential for achieving a combination of robustness and dynamicity. Currently, the reported MINs predominantly consist of networks with discrete mechanical bonds as cross-linking points, exemplified by well-known slide-ring materials and rotaxane/catenane cross-linked polymers. The motion of these mechanically interlocked cross-linking points facilitates the redistribution of tension throughout the network, effectively preventing stress concentration and thereby enhancing material toughness. In these instances, the impact of mechanical bonds can be likened to the adage "small things can make a big difference", whereby a limited number of mechanical bonds substantially elevate the mechanical performance of conventional polymers. In addition to MINs cross-linked by mechanical bonds, there is another type of MIN in which their principal parts are polymer chains composed of dense mechanical bonds. Within these MINs, mechanical bonds generally serve as repeating units, and their unique properties stem from integrating and amplifying the function of a large amount of mechanical bonds. Consequently, MINs with dense mechanical bonds tend to reflect the intrinsic properties of mechanical interlocked polymers, making their exploration critical for a comprehensive understanding of MIPs. Nevertheless, investigations into MINs featuring dense mechanical bonds remain relatively scarce.This Account presents a comprehensive overview of our investigation and insights into MINs featuring dense mechanical bonds. First, we delve into the synthetic strategies employed to effectively prepare MINs with dense mechanical bonds, while critically evaluating their advantages and limitations. Through meticulous control of the core interlocking step, three distinct strategies have emerged: mechanical interlocking followed by polymerization, supramolecular polymerization followed by mechanical interlocking, and dynamic interlocking. Furthermore, we underscore the structure-property relationships of MINs with dense mechanical bonds. The macroscopic properties of MINs originate from integrating and amplifying countless microscopic motions of mechanical bonds, a phenomenon we define as an integration and amplification mechanism. Our investigation has revealed detailed motion characteristics of mechanical bonds in bulk mechanically interlocked materials, encompassing the quantification of motion activation energy, discrimination of varying motion distances, and elucidation of the recovery process. Additionally, we have elucidated their influence on the mechanical performance of the respective materials. Moreover, we have explored potential applications of MINs, leveraging their exceptional mechanical properties and dynamicity. These applications include enhancing the toughness of conventional polymers, engineering mechanically adaptive and multifunctional aerogels, and mitigating Li protrusion as interfacial layers in lithium-ion batteries. Finally, we offer our personal perspectives on the promises, opportunities, and key challenges in the future development of MINs with dense mechanical bonds, underscoring the potential for transformative advancements in this burgeoning field.

Mechanically Interlocked Interphase with Energy Dissipation and Fast Li-Ion Transport for High-Capacity Lithium Metal Batteries

Constructing an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI) on Li metal anodes (LMAs) is a potential strategy for addressing the dendrite issues. However, the mechanical fatigue of the ASEI caused by stress accumulation under the repeated deformation from the Li plating/stripping is not taken seriously. Herein, this work introduces a mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain network (DC MIN) into the ASEI to stabilize the Li metal/ASEI interface by combining the functions of energy dissipation and fast Li-ion transport. The DC MIN featured by large-range molecular motions is cross-linked via efficient thiol-ene click chemistry; thus, the DC MIN has flexibility and excellent mechanical properties. As an ASEI, the crown ether units in DC MIN not only interact with the dialkylammonium of a flexible chain, forming the energy dissipation behavior but also coordinate with Li ion to support the fast Li-ion transport in DC MIN. Therefore, a stable 2800 h-symmetrical cycling (1 mA cm-2 ) and an excellent 5 C-rate (full cell with LiFePO4 ) performance are achieved by DC MIN-based ASEI. Furthermore, the 1-Ah pouch cell (LiNi0.88 Co0.09 Mn0.03 O2 cathode) with DC MIN-coated LMA exhibits improved capacity retention (88%) relative to the Control. The molecular design of DC MIN provides new insights into the optimization of an ASEI for high-energy LMAs.

Assembly and Utility of a Drawstring-Mimetic Supramolecular Complex

Inspired by the drawstring structure in daily life, here we report the development of a drawstring-mimetic supramolecular complex at the molecular scale. This complex consists of a rigid figure-of-eight macrocyclic host molecule and a flexible linear guest molecule which could interact through three-point non-covalent binding to form a highly selective and efficient host-guest assembly. The complex not only resembles the drawstring structure, but also mimics the properties of a drawstring with regard to deformations under external forces. The supramolecular drawstring can be utilized as an interlocked crosslinker for poly(methyl acrylate), and the corresponding polymer samples exhibit comprehensive enhancement of macroscopic mechanical performance including stiffness, strength, and toughness.

Mechanically Planar-to-Point Chirality Transmission in [2]Rotaxanes

Herein we describe an effective transmission of chirality, from mechanically planar chirality to point chirality, in hydrogen-bonded [2]rotaxanes. A highly selective mono-N-methylation of one (out of four) amide N atom at the macrocyclic counterpart of starting achiral rotaxanes generates mechanically planar chirality. Followed by chiral resolution, both enantiomers were subjected to a base-promoted intramolecular cyclization, where their interlocked threads were transformed into new lactam moieties. As a matter of fact, the mechanically planar chiral information was effectively transferred to the resulting stereocenters (covalent chirality) of the newly formed heterocycles. Upon removing the entwined macrocycle, the final lactams were obtained with high enantiopurity.

Aqueous Three-Component Self-Assembly of a Pseudo[1]rotaxane Using Hydrazone Bonds

We present herein the synthesis of a new polycationic pseudo[1]rotaxane, self-assembled in excellent yield through hydrazone bonds in aqueous media of three different aldehyde and hydrazine building blocks. A thermodynamically controlled process has been studied sequentially by analyzing the [1 + 1] reaction of a bisaldehyde and a trishydrazine leading to the macrocyclic part of the system, the ability of this species to act as a molecular receptor, the conversion of a hydrazine-pending cyclophane into the pseudo[1]rotaxane and, lastly, the one-pot [1 + 1 + 1] condensation process. The latter was found to smoothly produce the target molecule through an integrative social self-sorting process, a species that was found to behave in water as a discrete self-inclusion complex below 2.5 mM concentration and to form supramolecular aggregates in the 2.5-70 mM range. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the abnormal kinetic stability of the hydrazone bonds on the macrocycle annulus can be advantageously used for the conversion of the obtained pseudo[1]rotaxane into other exo-functionalized macrocyclic species.

Exploration of molecular machines in supramolecular soft robotic systems

Soft robotic system, a new era of material science, is rapidly developing with advanced processing technology in soft matters, featured with biomimetic nature. An important bottom-up approach is through the implementation of molecular machines into polymeric materials, however, the synchronized molecular motions, acumination of strain across multiple length-scales, and amplification into macroscopic actuations remained highly challenging. This review presents the significances, key design strategies, and outlook of the hierarchical supramolecular systems of molecular machines to develop novel types of supramolecular-based soft robotic systems.

Controllable Aggregation-Induced Emission and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Behaviors of Bistable [c2] Daisy Chain Rotaxanes for White-Light Emission and Temperature-Sensing Applications

Bistable [c2] daisy chain rotaxanes with respective extended and contracted forms of [c2]A and [c2]B containing a blue-emissive anthracene (AN) donor and orange-emissive indandione-carbazole (IC) acceptor were successfully synthesized via click reaction. Tunable-emission bistable [c2] daisy chain rotaxanes with fluorescence changes from blue to orange, including bright-white-light emissions, could be modulated by the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) processes through altering water fractions and shuttling processes (i.e., acid/base controls). Accordingly, as a result of excellent fine-tuning AIE (at 60% water content of H₂O/THF) and FRET (with a compatible energy transfer of E_FRET = 33.2%) behaviors after the shuttling process (by adding base), the brightest white-light emission at CIE (0.31, 0.37) with a quantum yield of Φ = 15.64% was obtained in contracted [c2]B with good control of molecular shuttling to possess higher photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields and better energy transfer efficiencies (i.e., the manipulation of reduced PET and enhanced FRET processes) due to their intramolecular aggregations of blue AN donors and orange IC acceptors with a proper water content of 60% H₂O. Furthermore, dynamic light-scattering (DLS) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements, along with theoretical calculations, were utilized to investigate and confirm AIE and FRET phenomena of bistable [c2] daisy chain rotaxanes. Especially, both bistable [c2] daisy chain rotaxanes [c2]A and [c2]B and noninterlocked monomer M could be exploited for the applications of ratiometric fluorescence temperature sensing due to the temperature effects on the AIE and FRET features. Based on these desirable bistable [c2] daisy chain rotaxane structures, this work provides a potential strategy for the future applications of tunable multicolor emission and ratiometric fluorescence temperature-sensing materials.

Light-Driven Molecular Whirligig

A unidirectional light-driven rotary motor was looped in a figure-of-eight molecule by linking two polymer chains between its stator and rotor parts. By properly tuning the size of these linkers, clockwise rotation of the motor under UV light was shown to create conformationally strained twists between the polymer chains, and in this tensed conformation, the energy stored in the molecular object was sufficient to trigger the reverse rotation of the motor back to its fully relaxed state. The functioning principle of this motorized molecular device appears very similar to that of macroscopic whirligig crafts used by children for fun. In addition, we found that in its out-of-equilibrium tensed state, the fluorescence emission of the molecular motor increased by 500% due to the mechanical constraints imposed by the polymer chains on its conjugated core. Finally, by calculating the apparent thermal energies of activation for the backward rotations at different levels of twisting, we quantitatively determined a lower estimate of the work generated by this rotary motor, from which a torque and a force were extracted, thus answering a long-term open question in this field of research.

Recent Progress in Light-Driven Molecular Shuttles

Molecular shuttles are typical molecular machines that could be applied in various fields. The motion modes of wheel components in rotaxanes could be strategically modulated by external stimuli, such as pH, ions, solvent, light, and so on. Light is particularly attractive because it is harmless and can be operated in a remote mode and usually no byproducts are formed. Over the past decade, many examples of light-driven molecular shuttles are emerging. Accordingly, this review summarizes the recent research progress of light-driven molecular shuttles. First, the light-driven mechanisms of molecular motions with different functional groups are discussed in detail, which show how to drive photoresponsive or non-photoresponsive molecular shuttles. Subsequently, the practical applications of molecular shuttles in different fields, such as optical information storage, catalysis for organic reactions, drug delivery, and so on, are demonstrated. Finally, the future development of light-driven molecular shuttle is briefly prospected.

Mechanically Interlocked Vitrimers

Mechanically interlocked networks (MINs) have emerged as an encouraging platform for the development of mechanically robust yet adaptive materials. However, the difficulty in reversibly breaking the mechanical bonds poses a real challenge to MINs as customizable and sustainable materials. Herein, we couple the vitrimer chemistry with mechanically interlocked structures to generate a new class of MINs─referred to as mechanically interlocked vitrimers (MIVs)─to address the challenge. Specifically, we have prepared the acetoacetate-decorated [2]rotaxane that undergoes catalyst-free condensation reaction with two commercially available multiamine monomers to furnish MIVs. Compared with the control whose wheels are nonslidable under applied force, our MIVs with slidable mechanically interlocked motifs showcase enhanced mechanical performance including Young's modulus (18.5 ± 0.9 vs 1.0 ± 0.1 MPa), toughness (3.7 ± 0.1 vs 0.9 ± 0.1 MJ/m³), and damping capacity (98% vs 72%). The structural basis behind unique property profiles is demonstrated to be the force-induced host-guest dissociation and consequential intramolecular sliding of the wheels along the axles. The peculiar behaviors represent a consecutive energy dissipation mechanism, which provides a complement to other pathways that mainly depend on the breaking of sacrificial bonds. Moreover, by virtue of the vitrimer chemistry of vinylogous urethanes, we impart reprocessability and chemical recyclability to the MINs, thereby empowering the reconfiguration of the networks without breaking of the mechanical bonds. Finally, it is disclosed that the intramolecular motions of [2]rotaxanes could accelerate the dynamic exchange of the vinylogous urethane bonds via loosening the network, suggestive of a synergistic effect between the dual dynamic entities.

Photochemical Energy Conversion with Artificial Molecular Machines

The exploitation of sunlight as a clean, renewable, and distributed energy source is key to facing the energetic demand of modern society in a sustainable and affordable fashion. In the past few decades, chemists have learned to make molecular machines, that is, synthetic chemical systems in which energy inputs cause controlled movements of molecular components that could be used to perform a task. A variety of artificial molecular machines operated by light have been constructed by implementing photochemical processes within appropriately designed (supra)molecular assemblies. These studies could open up new routes for the realization of nanostructured devices and materials capable to harness, convert, and store light energy.

Rotaxane Dendrimers: Alliance between Giants

During recent decades, the blossoming of the field of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), i.e., molecules containing mechanical or topological bonds such as rotaxanes, catenanes, and knots, has been reported in the literature. Taking advantage of the rapid development of diverse synthetic strategies, the precise control of both the architectures and topologies of MIMs has become realizable, which thus enables the construction of MIMs with specially desired functions. By mimicking biomolecular machines, a variety of MIM-based artificial molecular machines such as molecular shuttles, molecular muscles, molecular motors, and molecular assemblers have been constructed and operated by relying on the unique interlocked structures and controllable intramolecular movements. Two pioneers in this field, J. Fraser Stoddart and Jean-Pierre Sauvage, were awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, thereby marking a golden age of MIMs. Along with the burgeoning of MIMs, the engineering of mechanical bonds into macromolecular scaffolds such as polymers or dendrimers has become an attractive topic since the targeted novel mechanically bonded macromolecules would feature interesting processable and mechanical properties, making them excellent candidates for practical applications such as device fabrication or smart materials. In particular, rotaxane dendrimers, attributed to the combination of the advantageous features of both rotaxanes (controllable dynamic motions) and dendrimers (nanoscale highly branched architectures), have evolved as versatile platforms for extensive applications such as gene delivery, light harvesting, and molecular nanoreactors. However, compared with the widely investigated polyrotaxanes and polycatenanes, in-depth investigations on rotaxane dendrimers have rarely been explored mainly because of the synthetic challenge that makes the preparation of diverse rotaxane dendrimers, especially high-generation ones, extremely difficult. During recent years, through the rational design and synthesis of organometallic rotaxane units as key building blocks, the employment of a controllable divergent approach led to the successful synthesis of a variety of rotaxane dendrimers with precise arrangements of rotaxane units as well as stimuli-responsive sites and functional groups. More importantly, on the basis of the synthetic accessibility to diverse rotaxane dendrimers, rotaxane dendrimers have been proven to hold great promise for extensive applications in diverse fields such as light harvesting, photocatalysis, and soft actuators. In this Account, we summarize our expedition in rotaxane dendrimers, including addressing the synthetic challenges, investigating their stimuli-responsive properties, expanding their potential applications, and inventing higher-order daisy chain dendrimers. We believe that this Account will inspire scientists from various disciplines to explore these appealing and versatile higher-order mechanically bonded macromolecules.

An Asymmetric Mechanism in a Symmetric Molecular Machine

The design of molecular architectures exhibiting functional motions is a promising area for disruptive technological development. Toward this goal, rotaxanes and catenanes, which undergo relative motions of their subunits in response to external stimuli, are prime candidates. Here, we report on the computational analysis of the contraction/extension of a bistable [c2]daisy chain rotaxane. Using free-energy calculations and transition path optimizations, we explore the free-energy landscape governing the functional motions of a prototypical molecular machine with atomic resolution. The calculations reveal a sequential mechanism in which the asynchronous gliding of each ring is preferred over the concerted movement. Analysis of the underlying free-energy surface indicates that the formation of partially rearranged intermediates entails crossing of much smaller barriers. Our findings illustrate an important design principle for molecular machines, namely that efficient exploitation of thermal fluctuations may be realized by breaking down the large-scale functional motions into smaller steps.

Daisy Chain Dendrimers: Integrated Mechanically Interlocked Molecules with Stimuli-Induced Dimension Modulation Feature

The precise construction of the high-order mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) with well-defined topological arrangements of multiple mechanically interlocked units has been a great challenge. Herein, we present the first successful preparation of a new family of daisy chain dendrimers, in which the individual [c2]daisy chain rotaxane units serve as the branches of dendrimer skeleton. In particular, the third-generation daisy chain dendrimer with 21 [c2]daisy chain rotaxane moieties was realized, which might be among the most complicated discrete high-order MIMs comprised of multiple [c2]daisy chain rotaxane units. Interestingly, such unique topological arrangements of multiple stimuli-responsive [c2]daisy chain rotaxanes endowed the resultant daisy chain dendrimers controllable and reversible nanoscale dimension modulation through the collective and amplified extension/contraction of each [c2]daisy chain rotaxane branch upon the addition of acetate anions or DMSO molecules as external stimulus. Furthermore, on the basis of such an intriguing size switching feature of daisy chain dendrimers, dynamic composite polymer films were constructed through the incorporation of daisy chain dendrimers into polymer films, which could undergo fast, reversible, and controllable shape transformations when DMSO molecules were employed as stimulus. The successful merging of [c2]daisy chain rotaxanes and dendrimers described herein provides not only a brand-new type of high-order mechanically interlocked systems with well-defined topological arrangements of [c2]daisy chain rotaxanes, but also a successful and practical approach toward the construction of supramolecular dynamic materials.

Design of Collective Motions from Synthetic Molecular Switches, Rotors, and Motors

Precise control over molecular movement is of fundamental and practical importance in physics, biology, and chemistry. At nanoscale, the peculiar functioning principles and the synthesis of individual molecular actuators and machines has been the subject of intense investigations and debates over the past 60 years. In this review, we focus on the design of collective motions that are achieved by integrating, in space and time, several or many of these individual mechanical units together. In particular, we provide an in-depth look at the intermolecular couplings used to physically connect a number of artificial mechanically active molecular units such as photochromic molecular switches, nanomachines based on mechanical bonds, molecular rotors, and light-powered rotary motors. We highlight the various functioning principles that can lead to their collective motion at various length scales. We also emphasize how their synchronized, or desynchronized, mechanical behavior can lead to emerging functional properties and to their implementation into new active devices and materials.

Photo-Powered Collapse of Supramolecular Polymers Based on an Overcrowded Alkene Switch

A supramolecular polymer was constructed from a light-driven overcrowded alkene switch modified with two alkylated gallic acid amide pendants (MSP-1). Upon UV irradiation, stable MSP-1 isomerized into unstable MSP-2, which induced the effective collapse of well-defined cross-linked supramolecular polymers, and the reassembly can be realized by aging at low temperature.

Construction of Type III-C Rotaxane-Branched Dendrimers and Their Anion-Induced Dimension Modulation Feature

Starting from a novel rotaxane building block with dendrimer growth sites being located at both the wheel and axle component, we realized the successful construction of a new family of rotaxane-branched dendrimers, i.e., Type III-C rotaxane-branched dendrimers, up to fourth generation as a highly branched [46]rotaxane through a controllable divergent approach. In the resultant rotaxane-branched dendrimers, the wheel components of the rotaxane units are located on the branches as well as at the branching points, making them excellent candidates to mimic the amplified collective molecular motions. Thus, taking advantage of the urea moiety inserted into the axle components of the rotaxane units as the binding sites, the addition or removal of acetate anion as stimulus endows the individual rotaxane unit a switchable feature that lead to a collective expansion-contraction motion of the integrated rotaxane-branched dendrimers, thus allowing for the remarkable and reversible size modulation. Such a three-dimensional size switching feature makes Type III-C rotaxane-branched dendrimers a very promising platform toward the fabrication of novel dynamic smart materials.

Assembling a Natural Small Molecule into a Supramolecular Network with High Structural Order and Dynamic Functions

Programming the hierarchical self-assembly of small molecules has been a fundamental topic of great significance in biological systems and artificial supramolecular systems. Precise and highly programmed self-assembly can produce supramolecular architectures with distinct structural features. However, it still remains a challenge how to precisely control the self-assembly pathway in a desirable way by introducing abundant structural information into a limited molecular backbone. Here we disclose a strategy that directs the hierarchical self-assembly of sodium thioctate, a small molecule of biological origin, into a highly ordered supramolecular layered network. By combining the unique dynamic covalent ring-opening-polymerization of sodium thioctate and an evaporation-induced interfacial confinement effect, we precisely direct the dynamic supramolecular self-assembly of this simple small molecule in a scheduled hierarchical pathway, resulting in a layered structure with long-range order at both macroscopic and molecular scales, which is revealed by small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering technologies. The resulting supramolecular layers are found to be able to bind water molecules as structural water, which works as an interlayer lubricant to modulate the material properties, such as mechanical performance, self-healing capability, and actuating function. Analogous to many reversibly self-assembled biological systems, the highly dynamic polymeric network can be degraded into monomers and reformed by a water-mediated route, exhibiting full recyclability in a facile, mild, and environmentally friendly way. This approach for assembling commercial small molecules into structurally complex materials paves the way for low-cost functional supramolecular materials based on synthetically simple procedures.