Geometry induced sequence of nanoscale Frank–Kasper and quasicrystal mesophases in giant surfactants
 
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2016/11/23/1609422113.full
 
Significance
How far can we push self-assembly toward unusual nanostructures? Frank–Kasper and quasicrystal phases represent unconventional phases of ordered spheroids originally identified in metal alloys. We report that Frank–Kasper and quasicrystal phases and their transition sequence are observed in one-component giant surfactants by introducing variations in molecular geometry. Both X-ray scattering and electron microscopy techniques are used to identify the self-assembled nanostructures. Combining molecular dynamics simulations, we attribute the appearance of these phases to molecular geometry as a result of tail number variation. Our findings lay the foundation for rational design of unconventional soft-matter phases and for exploiting them for unusual properties and functions.