Gigantic supramolecular assemblies built from dynamic hierarchical organization between inorganic nanospheres and porphyrins.

Noncovalent ionic interactions between nanosized Keplerate-type capsules {Mo132} and tetra-cationic porphyrins have been investigated in aqueous solution using small-angle X-ray scattering, 1H NMR and photophysical methods. These complementary multiscale methods reveal the formation of large hybrid oligomers built from a short-range organization in which the cationic porphyrin is glued onto the large POM surface. The local structuring appears to be strongly dependent on the dye : {Mo132} ratio changing the morphology of the oligomers from linear to dense aggregates.