Lotus-like nano-architectures constructed from self-assembled micelles via hierarchical assembly

Dopamine modified γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA-DA) copolymer and melamine (Mel) can self-assemble into Mel/γ-PGA-DA micelles via weak intermolecular interactions in aqueous solution containing small amount of methanol. When Mel/γ-PGA-DA micellar solution was cast on the surface of formvar stabilized with carbon support films, the lotus-like nano-architectures were formed on the surface of substrate via hierarchical assembly of micelles. The size of lotus-like nanoarchitectures was approximately 200 nm×500 nm. The possible driving forces for hierarchical assembly of micelles were the solution fluid and interaction between micelles. The hierarchical assembly of micelles was similar to the fractal aggregation of inorganic particles and a possible reason was discussed.