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Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water

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Published on: August 2, 2012

Water-driven structure transformation in nanoparticles at room temperature.

Hengzhong Zhang¹, Benjamin Gilbert, Feng Huang

¹Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.

|August 29, 2003

Summary

Surface environment, not just size, dictates nanoparticle structure. Zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles reversibly change structure with methanol desorption and dramatically transform when binding water, suggesting environmental sensing applications.

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Area of Science:

Nanotechnology
Materials Science
Surface Chemistry

Background:

Nanoparticle thermodynamics differ from bulk materials due to surface free energy.
Phase stability in polymorphs can change with decreasing particle size.
Surface environment can influence nanoparticle structural configuration.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate nanoparticle structural changes induced by surface environment, not particle size.
To explore post-synthesis control of nanoparticle structure.
To assess the potential of nanoparticle structural state as an environmental sensor.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (average diameter 3 nm) in methanol.
Observation of reversible structural transformation accompanying methanol desorption.
Analysis of structural modification upon binding of water to the nanoparticles.

Main Results:

ZnS nanoparticles exhibit reversible structural transformation with methanol desorption.
Water binding induces significant structural modification, reducing distortions.
A structure close to sphalerite (cubic ZnS) is generated upon water binding.

Conclusions:

Nanoparticle structure is sensitive to the surrounding molecular environment.
Post-synthesis control of nanoparticle structure is achievable via surface interactions.
Nanoparticle structural state can serve as an environmental sensor.
Nanoparticle structure and reactivity depend on size and surrounding molecules in various environments.