Solid-Phase Molecular Self-Assembly Leading to Scale-Span Molecular Materials

Scale-span molecular self-assembly is a long-standing challenge in the field of molecular self-assembly, which has been proven to be almost impossible in solution. Yet recent studies show that it may occur in the solid phase driven by interfacial energy, and macroscopic bulk materials with ordered molecular arrangement can be achieved through the strategy of solid-phase molecular self-assembly (SPMSA). In this Mini-Review, we summarize scientists' efforts in obtaining scale-span molecular self-assembly, in particular, caking and cold sintering-inspired solid-phase molecule self-assembly and its resultant materials, materials obtained by extension of SPMSA. Finally, we discuss the challenges in SPMSA and its future roadmap in the development of scale-span molecular materials.