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A method to prepare novel organic-inorganic hydrophobic nanocomposite films was proposed by a site-specific polymerization process. The inorganic part, the core of the nanocomposite, is a ternary SiO2-Al2O3-TiO2 nanoparticles, which is grafted with methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane (KH570), and wrapped by fluoride and siloxane polymers. The synthesized samples are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), contact angle meter (CA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that the novel organic-inorganic hydrophobic nanocomposite with a core-shell structure was synthesized successfully. XRD analysis reveals the nanocomposite film has an amorphous structure, and FTIR analysis indicates the nanoparticles react with a silane coupling agent (methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane KH570). Interestingly, the morphology of the nanoparticle film is influenced by the composition of the core. Further, comparing with the film synthesized by silica nanoparticles, the film formed from SiO2-Al2O3-TiO2 nanoparticles has higher hydrophobic performance, i.e., the contact angle is greater than 101.7°. In addition, the TEM analysis reveals that the crystal structure of the particles can be changed at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational control of the cooperativity of multiple noncovalent interactions often plays an important role in the design and construction of supramolecular self-assemblies and materials, especially in precision supramolecular engineering. However, it still remains a challenge to control the cooperativity of multiple noncovalent interactions through tuning the hydrophobic effect. In this work, we demonstrate that the binding cooperativity of cucurbit[8]uril(CB[8])-mediated homoternary complexes is strongly influenced by the amphiphilicity of guest molecule side groups on account of an interplay between both classical (entropy-driven) and nonclassical (enthalpy-driven) hydrophobic effects. To this end, we rationally designed and prepared a series of guest molecules bearing a benzyl group as the CB[8] homoternary binding motif with various hydrophilic and hydrophobic side groups for cooperative control. By gradually tuning side groups of the guest molecules from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, we are able to control the binding from positive to negative cooperativity. An advanced molecular recognition process and self-assembling system can be developed by adjusting the positive and negative cooperativity. The ability to regulate and control the binding cooperativity will enrich the field of supramolecular chemistry, and employing cooperativity-controlled multiple noncovalent interactions in precision supramolecular engineering is highly anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]