Advanced Materials · 2001 · 208 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesChemical EngineeringMaterials ScienceCarbohydrate ChemistryNanomaterialsPolymer ChemistryGelsNanotubesPolymeric NanomaterialsSelf-assembled NanostructuresSelf-assemblySelf-assembly Of NanomaterialsNanofiber SynthesisNanoparticle Self-assemblyNanotube SynthesisPolymeric NanofibersSolvent System SelectionSolvent-system Effects
Self-assembly of glycolipids into open-ended organic nanotubes (see Figure) is reported here. Depending on the solvent system used and the degree of saturation of the glycolipid, either gels or nanofibers of various morphologies form. Upon standing, the unsaturated glycolipid–based nanofibers transform into nanotubes with inner diameter 10–15 nm and length 10–100 μm.