Sulfate-Templated 2D Anion-Layered Supramolecular Self-Assemblies

Using solution and solid-state analyses, we demonstrate that the tripodal N-methylated(1,3,5-benzene-tricarboxamide)-tris(phenylurea) BTA ligands, possessing urea functionalities in the meta position, are able to form extended self-assembly 2D networks via hydrogen bonding templated by sulfate (SO42–). The divergence of the urea binding sites confers a propeller-like conformation to the ligands and is key to formation of the self-assemblies. Studies in solution and in the solid state as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the self-assembly properties of the ligands showed that the convergence also leads to the formation of hierarchical structures, including porous films and spherical nano-sized particles; the morphological outcome is highly solvent dependent.