Pressure-induced molecular assembly of hydrogen-bonded polymers

Controlling the noncovalent bondings such as electrostatic interaction, van der Waals force and hydrogen bond, is the key factor to generate molecular assembly. We show that pressure is one of the most intensive variables for controlling these intermolecular forces and producing assembled structure. Macrogel and nanoparticles of hydrogen-bonded polymers were simply obtained through an ultrahigh-pressure process. The morphology of the obtained assembly depends on concentration and various conditions of the pressurization. These results indicate that the ultrahigh-pressure induces inter/intra-hydrogen bond, which is strong enough to maintain microassemblies such as gels and particles. This methodology leads to the molecular design of pressure-induced molecular assembly, and nonharmful processes for molecular separation and drug development.