Supramolecular arrays by the self-assembly of terpyridine-based monomers with transition metal ions

Hierarchical construction of a highly ordered supramolecular array has been, in general, a challenge due to the complexation of building blocks and the hard-to-control weak interactions. Herein, we present a type of well-ordered nanoribbon, which was self-assembled via shape complimentary and hydrophobic effects from the bowl-shaped supramolecular components, which were synthesized by combining designer terpyridine-based monomers and two different metal ions (Ru2+, Zn2+). Interestingly, switching counter ions or changing monomer concentrations, a transformation between a uniform nanosphere and nanoribbon occurred. This opens a door to fabricate readily tailorable, large-scale, supramacromolecular materials.