Self‐Assembled Organic Microtubes from Amphiphilic Molecules

Abstract

Getting the sizes sorted out: In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of reports about self-assembled nano- or microtubular structures because of their potential uses in a variety of technical applications, which are largely determined by the tube sizes. This Focus Review highlights microsized self-assembled organic tubular structures formed in aqueous solutions and organic solvents. In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of reports about self-assembled nano- or microtubular structures, because they have potential uses in nanofabrication, purification, medical, and encapsulation applications. A wide range of tubular structures have been constructed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules in aqueous solution or organic solvents. The diameters of self-assembled tubular structures range between 10 nm and 30 mum. One of the most important factors that determine their suitability for technical applications is the size of the tubes. Therefore, analyzing and sorting tubular structures according to their size is essential. This Focus Review highlights microsized self-assembled organic tubular structures formed in aqueous solutions and organic solvents.