Metal nanoparticles functionalized with molecular and supramolecular switches

Weakly protected metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are used as precursors for the preparation of catenane- and pseudorotaxane-decorated NPs of various compositions (gold, palladium, platinum). When attached to the surface of MNPs, the molecular switches retain their switching abilities. The redox potentials of these switches depend on and can be regulated by the composition of the mixed self-assembled monolayers covering the MNPs.