| Abstract Scope |
Recently, a simple, scalable, one-pot, solution-based method was developed to synthesize sub-nm thin 1D lepidocrocite (1DL) TiO2-based nanofilaments as colloidal suspension. When converted into solid state, these 1DL nanofilaments spontaneously self-assemble into two-dimensional (2D) layered structures. Herein, we show how a polymer - branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI) - can be used to wrap the 1DL surfaces. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the polymer molecules coated onto individual 1DL surfaces, effectively arresting the spontaneous 1D–2D transition. More interestingly, the bPEI-coated 1DLs form a hexagonal columnar liquid crystalline structure in the solid state, and the inter-1DL distance can be readily tuned from 1.659 to 3.002 nm by controlling the polymer to 1DL volume ratio. This work demonstrates a facile, yet effective, approach to arresting the formation of the 2D TiO2. This tunable liquid crystalline phase could open new opportunities to realize 1DL in advanced applications. |