Construction Of Nano/Microstructures Based On Cucurbit"n"uril

Cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n], n=5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or10) is a macrocyclic compound obtained from an acid-catalyzed condensation reaction of glycoluril and formaldehyde. It bears two carbonyl-lined portals and a hydrophobic cavity. Its ability of binding guest molecules comes from its unique structure. The supramolecular chemistry of CB[n] distinguishes itself in particularly three aspects among others, which are, selectivity, affinity, and controllability. After the abundant researches in synthesizing methodologies, host-guest binding abilities, the functional systems based on CB[n]s emerge as the focus and forefront of contemporary researches. To attach CB[n]s onto interfaces or surfaces is the key step towards functional integrities concerning CB[n]. While the some complicated modification of CB[n] make it a difficult and laborious way. A general and efficient method to get surface-attached CB[n] is highly needed.Generally speaking, the chemistry concerning CB[n] are mainly restricted into the molecular level. In this dissertation, exploration was made to extend the CB[n] chemistry from solution into the realm of micro/nanofabrication. The work is described around the following topics:1. The multi-valent interaction between CB[n]'s (n=6, 7, 8) carbonyls and gold surface was discovered and further employed to construct CB[n] self-assembled monolayers on gold surface. The binding abilities of the surface-confined CB[n] to guests were tested. This technique provides a simple method for building CB[n] monolayer on gold, and promises a platform to functional systems, given the binding abilities of CB[n].2. Nano/microcrystals constituted by CB[8] and its several guest molecules were fabricated in solution non-covalently. The resultant nano/microcrystals were of polymorphology. The driving forces underlining the spontaneous crystallization processes were explored and discussed. This is the first time that CB[8]'s role as a building block beside the host molecule is highlighted. 3. The non-covalent and reversible interaction between CB[8] and proteins was explored and employed to construct nanomaterials by the means of self-assembled technique. The process of the construction of CB[8]- haemoglobin was followed by UV-vis spectrum, QCM, and AFM. The catalase integrated in the multi-layerd film reserved its catalytic abilities.In summary, we developed a general and efficient method to form CB[6], CB[7], and CB[8] self-assembled monolayers on gold surface, fabricated polymorphologic organic crystals from octahedron to truncated octahedron based on CB[n], and fabricated functional layered materials of protein and CB[n]. The as-prepared nano/miciostructures should enrich the realm of nano/micro-science with new elements, and the information learned from the pioneering work is also inspiring in CB[n] chemistry, as well as in supramolecular chemistry.