Portal-directed assembly of 2D cucurbituril-polyoxometalate hybrids toward synergistic photothermal catalysis

Abstract

Precise control over the dimensionality and morphology of supramolecular assemblies remains a key challenge in hybrid material design. Here we report a directional assembly strategy that exploits synergistic portal-specific hydrogen bonding and ion-dipole interactions between cucurbit[5]uril (CB[5]) and an Anderson-type polyoxometalate (POM) functionalized with terminal protonated amines. This tailored interaction drives the formation of elongated two-dimensional hybrid sheets with spatial confinement and anisotropic growth. The resulting CB[5]-NH2POM hybrids exhibit high thermal stability and surface-accessible CB[5] units, enabling hierarchical integration with gold nanorods (AuNRs). These AuNRs@CB[5]-NH2POM hybrids demonstrate efficient photothermal conversion (37.8%) and enable near-quantitative catalytic conversion (>99%) in NIR-triggered sulfide oxidation. Comparative controls confirm the critical role of CB[5]-mediated portal interactions in both structural definition and functional performance. This study highlights a transferable supramolecular design principle for dimensional control and modular interface engineering, offering a promising platform for developing adaptive hybrid materials in photothermal catalysis and related applications.

Fei Li

PhD Candidate (2023)

Be enthusiastic, proactive, optimistic, and inquisitive. Above all, eat well and live seriously.

Yibin Sun

Assistant Professor

Research interests: catassembly, assembly kinetics, protein-protein assembly, and protein engineering

Siyuan Xu

UnderGrad Student（2022）

I aspire to become an accomplished chemist through my own efforts.

Guanglu Wu

Professor

Research interests: multi-component functional assemblies, noncovalent dimerization, supramolecular catalysis, and smart soft matter