Inducing Hetero-aggregation of Different Azo Dyes through Electrostatic Self-Assembly.

Combining chemically different building blocks in supramolecular nanoparticles is a promising key to tailored structures and functionalities. π-π heterostacks of dye molecules form upon electrostatic self-assembly with a polyelectrolyte, resulting in stable ternary nano-assemblies in aqueous solution. Core-shell spheres, cylinders, and flexible cylinders result, which exhibit new shapes different from the binary systems. Particle shapes can be tuned through the dye composition.