Self-assembled Nano structures of compound 1. UV PSS : 64% trans + 36% cis
Role of HB in aggregates N-H stretching band (cm-1) Amide-I band (cm-1) Fibers (trans) 3438 1633 Spheres (cis) 3442 1635 Less than Monomers 3465 1693
Grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) Self-assembly process:
Trans form: Cis form: Inter molecular HB induces assembly into planar sheet like structure. zigzag configuration along the molecular axis with d-spacing of 42.8 A. lamellar structure: van der Waals interaction + Pi-Pi stacking. Retain zigzag configuration with reduced intermolecular spacing of 39.5 A. (8 % reduction) Steric hindrance between dialkoxy-phenyl gp twisting of the sheet like structure sphere
Solvent effect:
Conclusion: A photoresponsive azobenzene-based compound possessing H-B groups showed light- and solvent-triggered morphological transformations. The cooperative effects of non-covalent interactions and partial E,Z isomerization was sufficient to trigger the reversible transition of nanofibers into hollow spheres upon UV-light irradiation. The biuret units with photochromic azobenzene cores can be used as photosensitive building blocks for the design of adaptive materials.