Theory and synthesis of self-assembled polyfunctional supramolecular fibres and associated soft materials

We have recently introduced molecules with more than two mutually immiscible components that are generalisations of surfactants. Our work demonstrates that these 'linactants' self-assemble to form complex nanodomains via spontaneous formation of multi-phase lines as well as two-phase surfaces, inducing the formation of three-dimensional networks of twisted fibres. Controlled self-assembly gives a new class of materials for storage, catalysis and drug delivery. The project will combine numerical modelling, geometry, scattering physics and synthetic organic and physical chemistry.