Diverse Ordered 3D Nanostructured Amphiphile Self-Assembly Materials Found in Protic Ionic Liquids

Abstract

Protic ionic liquids (PILs) have been shown to provide media for small amphiphilic molecule self-assembly into periodic 3D geometries. The ability of phytantriol and monoolein to self-assemble into ordered 3D nanostructures analogous to structures observed in aqueous solvents has been demonstrated. Monoolein in ethanolammonium formate (EOAF) formed the double diamond lyotropic liquid crystalline cubic mesophase, and phytantriol formed the gyroid cubic mesophase at 25 °C. The monoolein cubic mesophase was successfully dispersed in excess PIL, forming nanostructured nanoparticles, and imaged by cryo-transmission electron microscopy. The self-assembled materials reported herein can be considered for soft-templating of material structures during synthesis, as encapsulation and controlled release media, as carrier particles in transport phenomena, and as supports for catalysts where the process conditions require a nonaqueous environment.