Strategic Doping for Enhanced Supramolecular Chirality in Asymmetric PDI Derivatives

Perylene diimide (PDI) derivatives have been extensively investigated as promising organic semiconductors due to their excellent optical and electronic properties and structural versatility. Functionalization at the imide and bay positions enables precise tuning of intermolecular interactions, molecular packing, and the resulting optoelectronic characteristics. In particular, the incorporation of chiral side chains into PDI molecules promotes spontaneous self-assembly into well-defined supramolecular architectures, leading to unique chiroptical phenomena through chirality transfer and amplification.

In this study, we systematically controlled the side-chain architecture of asymmetric PDI derivatives to investigate the relationship between molecular structure, self-assembly behavior, and the resulting supramolecular chirality. Particular attention was paid to understanding how subtle variations in side-chain configuration influence intermolecular packing and chiral organization. Furthermore, a strategic molecular doping approach was employed to regulate the self-assembly process and further enhance the induced supramolecular chiral properties. These findings provide fundamental insights into the formation of chiral PDI assemblies and offer an effective strategy for tuning their chiroptical properties. Ultimately, these precisely engineered supramolecular systems are expected to serve as promising candidates for high-performance chiral materials in next-generation optical and display technologies.