Control of the structures and functions of Langmuir-Blodgett films using supramolecular architecture

The structures and functions of LB films were controlled using supramolecular architecture. The orientation control method using hexatriacontane as a trigger molecule in the LB films was applied to nonamphiphilic porphyrin derivatives with substituents at peripheral positions. This method was effective for all the porphyrins examined except for two derivatives: one with a strong hydrophilic substituent at the β-position of one of the pyrrole rings and the other with less bulky substituents. In the mixed LB films of azobenzene and a dye, photoisomerization of azobenzene was used as a trigger to control the aggregation structure of the coexisting dye.