Sonication-induced self-assembly of polymeric porphyrin–fullerene: Formation of nanorings

In this article, we detail the sonication-induced self-assembly of polymeric porphyrin and fullerenes into distinct nanorings in solution form. The formation of these trenchant superstructures was the result of the delicate choice of different assembly protocols, solvents, and polymeric tails associated with porphyrin and fullerene. In this study, the sonication supposedly directed the lateral aggregation into uniform ring formation. The sonication time was found to be the key parameter in ring formation. Furthermore, the flexibility of polymeric arms and electronic interactions of porphyrin–fullerene gave rise to synergistically enhanced molecular interactions, and this resulted in discrete morphologies. Key optical data, including the absorption maxima of the complexes, and microscopic studies attested to the nature and morphology of the self-assembled complexes. This introduction of polymeric arms and sonication protocols in the porphyrin self-assembly was expected to allow the easy formation of diverse morphologies. Because of the facile fabrication process and uniform morphology, the resulting composite architectures might show promising applications in drug-delivery and advance materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133 , 43537.