H-bond and π-π stacking directed self-assembly of two-component supramolecular nanotubes: tuning length, diameter and wall thickness.

A series of supramolecular nanotubes with fine-tuned length, diameter and wall thickness were obtained from co-assembly of an L-glutamic acid based bolaamphiphile (HDGA) and melamine with different molar ratios. The changes in tubular nanostructures were found to be dependent on different self-assembly mechanisms.