Dendrimer−dye assemblies are used as novel supramolecular nanoreactors for the formation of various gold nanostructures. The organic−inorganic hybrid systems are investigated with dynamic light scattering, UV−vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as cryo-TEM and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). We show that the shape of the hybrid assemblies is determined by the choice and the ratio of the building blocks. Shape and size of the gold nanoparticles within the assemblies are controlled by the reducing agent. The accessible range of gold morphologies extends from small and spherical, over ellipsoidal, faceted, and large to highly anisotropic. The approach may open the way to new hybrid systems with applications in catalysis or in the biomedical field.

The design of functional nano-objects by electrostatic self-assembly in solution signifies an emerging field with great potential. More specifically, the targeted combination of electrostatic interaction with other effects and interactions, such as the positioning of charges on stiff building blocks, the use of additional amphiphilic, π−π stacking building blocks, or polyelectrolytes with certain architectures, have recently promulgated electrostatic self-assembly to a principle for versatile defined structure formation. A large variety of architectures from spheres over rods and hollow spheres to networks in the size range of a few tenths to a few hundred nanometers can be formed. This review discusses the state-of-the-art of different approaches of nano-object formation by electrostatic self-assembly against the backdrop of corresponding solid materials and assemblies formed by other non-covalent interactions. In this regard, particularly promising is the facile formation of triggerable structures, i.e. size and shape switching through light, as well as the use of electrostatically assembled nano-objects for improved photocatalysis and the possible solar energy conversion in the future. Lately, this new field is eliciting an increasing amount of understanding; insights and limitations thereof are addressed in this article. Special emphasis is placed on the interconnection of molecular building block structures and the resulting nanoscale architecture via the key of thermodynamics.

In this study, light-responsive nano-assemblies with light-switchable size based on photoacids are presented. Anionic disulfonated napthol derivates and cationic dendrimer macroions are used as building blocks for electrostatic self-assembly. Nanoparticles are already formed under the exclusion of light as a result of electrostatic interactions. Upon photoexcitation, an excited-state dissociation of the photoacidic hydroxyl group takes place, which leads to a more highly charged linker molecule and, subsequently, to a change in size and structure of the nano-assemblies. The effects of the charge ratio and the concentration on the stability have been examined with absorption spectroscopy and ζ-potential measurements. The influence of the chemical structure of three isomeric photoacids on the size and shape of the nanoscale aggregates has been studied by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy, revealing a direct correlation of the strength of the photoacid with the changes of the assemblies upon irradiation.

Light- and pH-responsive nano-assemblies with switchable size and structure are formed by the association of a photoacid, anthocyanidin, and a linear polyelectrolyte in aqueous solution. Specifically, anionic disulfonated naphthol derivatives, neutral hydroxyflavylium, and cationic poly(allylamine) are used as building blocks for the ternary electrostatic self-assembly, forming well-defined supramolecular assemblies with tunable sizes of 50 to 500 nm. Due to the network of possible chemical reactions for the anthocyanidin and the excited-state dissociation of the photoacid upon irradiation, different ways to alter the ternary system through external triggering are accessible. The structure and trigger effects can be controlled through the component ratios of the samples. Dynamic and static light scattering (DLS, SLS) and ζ-potential measurements were applied to study the size and the stability of the particles, and information on the molecular structure was gained by UV–vis spectroscopy. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) provided information on the thermodynamics and interaction forces in the supramolecular assembly formation.

Multi‐switchable supramolecular nano‐objects that respond to irradiation of different wavelengths with changes in size and shape have been built from two different water‐soluble molecular switches, joined by attachment to the same polyelectrolyte. Accordingly, two wavelength‐specific reactions, namely the excited‐state proton dissociation of a photoacid and the cis–trans isomerization of an azo dye, are combined in one supramolecular nano‐object that is stable in aqueous solution. The concept has potential in the fields of sensors, molecular motors, and transport.