Unraveling the Self-Assembly Modes in Multicomponent Supramolecular Gels Using Single-Crystal X‑ray Diffraction

The control and prediction of the
self-assembly process in multicomponent
supramolecular gels are challenging because the structure and properties
rely mostly on the geometry and spatial arrangement of the building
blocks. The understanding of noncovalent interactions between the
individual gelators at the molecular level will enable us to tune
the gelation properties of multicomponent gels. We have studied the
self-assembly process of multicomponent gel based on enantiomers and
herin we report the first crystallographic evidence of specific co-assembly
in mixed enantiomeric gel, which is supported by scanning electron
microscopy and atomic force microscopy images. The mode of interactions
between the individual gelators from the molecular to macroscopic
level, which are responsible for co-assembled fibers, was identified
by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. We have proved that specific
co-assembly leads to enhanced mechanical and thermal stability in
the mixed gel compared to the meso and individual
enantiomeric gels.