Ultrasound-induced controllable morphology and growth dimension in a dihydrazide-based self-assembly system

Abstract

We have demonstrated ultrasound-induced organogels based on twin-tapered dihydrazide derivatives, oxalyl acid N,N-di(3,4,5-trialkoxybenzoyl)hydrazide (FH-Tn). Ultrasound irradiation has been proved to influence gel properties at micro-levels. Different self-assembled structures from entangled fibers to tube-like structures and nanoparticles can be easily manipulated by tuning irradiation time and water bath temperature. FT-IR spectra exhibit weakened hydrogen bonding interactions, and XRD studies showed different packing modes before and after sonication. In addition, ultrasound can have effects on gel properties at macro-levels. Gels obtained from ultrasound treatment possess different wetting properties, relatively worse rheological properties and thermo-stability. Kinetic studies based on dynamic fluorescence spectra, rheological studies and theoretical calculations suggest that molecular aggregation mode differed from one-dimension to two-dimension for the gel after sonication.