Emissive nanotubes from templated self-assembly of small molecules

Abstract We report the use of supramolecular interactions to promote the AAO-templated formation of emissive nanotubes based on small organic molecules bearing complementary hydrogen-bonding sites. Nanotubes emitting blue, green, and red light were obtained using appropriate chromophores, whereas a mixture of blue and green chromophores afforded nanotubes emitting white light. Further characterization revealed that the emission from the nanotubes is polarized, indicating a preferential orientation of the chromophores. Aqueous dispersions of nanotubes showed that scrambling of the chromophores is minimal, and that it is possible to prepare samples in which many nanotubes of different colors are present in close proximity.