Differentiated self-assembly through orthogonal noncovalent interactions towards the synthesis of two-dimensional woven supramolecular polymers

Molecular weaving is a powerful approach to make molecularly woven materials that have showed unprecedented characteristics and properties intrinsically distinct to those of non-woven materials. We here report a facile and efficient approach for the synthesis of 2D woven supramolecular polymers by differentiated self-assembly through orthogonal noncovalent interactions. Importantly, the difference in binding strength of two orthogonal noncovalent interactions can be used to control the process of molecular weaving. Consequently, single-layered 2D woven supramolecular polymers were synthesized and fully characterized by various techniques. This study demonstrates a controllable method for molecular weaving, and will significantly hasten the development of molecularly woven materials.