Controlled Formation of Au Nanonetworks via Discrete BTA-Oligo(Acrylic Acid)₃ Supramolecular Templates

Precise control over molecular dispersity and supramolecular assembly is essential for designing nanostructures with targeted properties and functionalities. In this study, we explore the impact of molecular dispersity in BTA-oligo(AA)₃ oligomers on the formation and structural organization of Au nanomaterials in an aqueous system. Discrete and polydisperse BTA-oligo(AA)₃ samples are systematically synthesized and characterized to evaluate their role as templates for nanostructure formation. UV-vis spectroscopy and TEM analyses reveal distinct differences in the resulting nanostructures. Specifically, discrete oligomers facilitate the formation of well-defined, interconnected Au nanonetworks with high structural uniformity, even at elevated concentrations. In contrast, polydisperse oligomers facilitated the formation of isolated Au nanoparticles with limited control over morphology and connectivity. These differences are attributed to the greater molecular uniformity and enhanced self-assembly capabilities of the discrete oligomers, which serve as effective templates for directing Au precursor organization and reduction into ordered nanostructures. This study provides mechanistic insight into how molecular dispersity affects the templating and assembly of gold nanomaterials. The findings offer a promising strategy for developing tailored nanostructures with interconnected morphologies and controlled optical and structural properties, paving the way for advanced applications.