Manipulation of Discrete Nanostructures by Selective Modulation of Noncovalent Forces

Abstract

Nanotube Engineering In general, the reversible self-assembly of nanotubes through noncovalent bonding either gives fully assembled or fully disassembled products. Fukino et al. (p. 499 , published online 10 April; see the Perspective by Hudson and Manners ) developed a system with an intermediate possibility. Hollow nanotube structures were assembled from ferrocene-based tetratopic pyridyl ligands mixed with AgBF 4 . Through oxidation of the ferrocene groups, the tubes could be cut into stable, large rings and then reversibly reassembled into nanotubes by reduction of the ferrocene groups.