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Breaking translational symmetry via polymer chain overcrowding in molecular bottlebrush crystallization

Author

Listed:
  • Hao Qi

    (Drexel University)

  • Xiting Liu

    (Drexel University)

  • Daniel M. Henn

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Shan Mei

    (Drexel University)

  • Mark C. Staub

    (Drexel University)

  • Bin Zhao

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Christopher Y. Li

    (Drexel University)

Abstract

One of the fundamental laws in crystallization is translational symmetry, which accounts for the profound shapes observed in natural mineral crystals and snowflakes. Herein, we report on the spontaneous formation of spherical hollow crystals with broken translational symmetry in crystalline molecular bottlebrush (mBB) polymers. The unique structure is named as mBB crystalsome (mBBC), highlighting its similarity to the classical molecular vesicles. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments show that the mBBC formation is driven by local chain overcrowding-induced asymmetric lamella bending, which is further confirmed by correlating crystalsome size with crystallization temperature and mBBʼs side chain grafting density. Our study unravels a new principle of spontaneous translational symmetry breaking, providing a general route towards designing versatile nanostructures.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Qi & Xiting Liu & Daniel M. Henn & Shan Mei & Mark C. Staub & Bin Zhao & Christopher Y. Li, 2020. "Breaking translational symmetry via polymer chain overcrowding in molecular bottlebrush crystallization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-15477-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15477-5
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