Multilevel molecular weaving.

A two-dimensional multilevel woven polymer network with multiple woven topologies is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray and low-dose/cryogenic electron microscopy, enabling hierarchical stress regulation and improved toluene/methylcyclohexane separation.

• Why it matters: Single-level molecularly woven polymer networks are limited to one woven topology, leaving a gap in how multilevel, fabric-like architectures could regulate stress and function.
• What they did: The authors built a multilevel woven polymer network and used single-crystal X-ray plus integrated low-dose and cryogenic electron microscopy to verify multilevel weaving, then applied in situ pressure-dependent Raman with theoretical calculations to probe stress regulation.
• The result: Pressure-dependent Raman and theory show a hierarchical stress-regulation mechanism distinct from the single-level counterpart, and separation simulations indicate synergistic channels that provide distinct advantages for precise toluene/methylcyclohexane separation.

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