An azobenzene with a terminal formyl group, named as (4-[(3-Formyl-4-hydroxy)phenylazo]benzene (FHPAB)), was synthesized and used to manipulate the self-assembly of diphenylalanine (FF) molecules. Two-dimensional (2D) thin slices which are composed of ordered microspheres have been constructed through supramolecular self-assembly of FF and FHPAB. The FTIR and XPS results indicate that C[dbnd]N covalent bond between FF and FHPAB was generated. Hydrogen bonding and strong π–π interaction between the planar FF-HFPAB conjugates are the driving force to form the FF-HFPAB 2D thin slices. Based on the results, a possible formation mechanism of the 2D thin slices was proposed. We also found that the FF-based 2D thin slices possess superhydrophobic properties, which is therefore an extension of the range of applications of peptide assembly.
Ma Hongchao Li Shuo Wei Yanhui 江雷 Li Junbai
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
2018