Bio-inspired self-assembled nanostructures comprises one of the most exciting developments in the fields of chemistry, physics, biology and materials science. These materials are vastly ordered structures with high-aspect ratio and are used as scaffolds to create chemically functionalized surfaces with control at the atomic level. The chemical properties of the materials are highly tailorable based on the choice of organic struts. These remarkable characteristics and properties have interesting applications such as photovoltaic cells, selective catalysis, adsorption, sensing, and bio-recognition. Herein, it is now proposed to extend the range of properties of self-assembled nanomaterials to encompass presentation of chemically functional groups on novel nanostructures. Our design approach relies upon hydrogen bonding, amphiphilic and metal chelating small molecules programmed to form nanostructures upon need. The work to be performed will encompass design, synthesis and characterization of self-assembled nanoscale materials in variuos architectures. Quantitative experimental studies of metal binding capability and systematic experimental use of the nanostructures will be studied for building devices for practical applications. The proposed interdisciplinary studies will accumulate knowledge that may lead to novel highly selective catalytic ensembles, chemical sensors, chemically smart coatings and alternative renewable energy products.