Counterions Control Whether Self-assembly Leads to Formation of Stable and Well-defined Unilamellar Nanotubes or Nanoribbons and Nanorods

Self-assembly of the amphiphilic π-conjugated carbenium ion ATOTA-1(+) in aqueous solution selectively leads to discrete and highly stable nanotubes or nanoribbons and nanorods, depending on the nature of the counterion (Cl(-) vs. PF6(-), respectively). The nanotubes formed by the Cl(-) salt illustrate an exceptional example of a structural well-defined (29±2 nm in outer diameter) unilamellar tubular morphology featuring π-conjugated functionality and high stability and flexibility, in aqueous solution.