| Abstract: | The present disclosure generally relates to self-assembly methods for
generating porphyrin nanostructures. For example, in one embodiment a
method is provided that includes preparing a porphyrin solution and a
surfactant solution. The porphyrin solution is then mixed with the
surfactant solution at a concentration sufficient for confinement of the
porphyrin molecules by the surfactant molecules. In some embodiments, the
concentration of the surfactant is at or above its critical micelle
concentration (CMC), which allows the surfactant to template the growth
of the nanostructure over time. The size and morphology of the
nanostructures may be affected by the type of porphyrin molecules used,
the type of surfactant used, the concentration of the porphyrin and
surfactant the pH of the mixture of the solutions, and the order of
adding the reagents to the mixture, to name a few variables. |