Switchable and orthogonal self-assemblies of anisotropic fibers

Abstract

Anisotropic and well-defined β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and sodium laurate (SL) gel fibers, with tetragonal and lamellar packing modes respectively, were combined to generate orthogonal and switchable assemblies for the first time. Through controlling the inclusion–exclusion processes between β-CD and SL by changing external stimuli, β-CD gel fibers, SL gel fibers and their coexistence states can be easily tailored. Different assembled states exhibited versatile morphologies and microstructures, which were detected by microscopy and X-ray scattering measurements. Furthermore, controllable assemblies provide facile ways to control the mechanical properties of the hybrid gels. The orthogonal self-assembly with self-sorting properties would enable this system to attract interest in material science.