Collapsed polymer-directed synthesis of multicomponent coaxial-like nanostructures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Colloidal Chemistry

Background:

• Multicomponent colloidal nanostructures (MCNs) possess unique properties influenced by their topology.
• Synthesizing complex MCNs remains a significant challenge in nanoscience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general, scalable, and rational approach for synthesizing complex MCNs.
• To create MCNs with a novel coaxial-like architecture.

Main Methods:

• Utilized selective surface protection of seed nanoparticles with collapsed polymers.
• Achieved site-preferential growth for anisotropic shell formation.
• Produced gold core MCNs with tubular metal or metal oxide shells.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized a variety of coaxial-like MCNs.
• Demonstrated the robustness and scalability of the synthesis method.
• Showcased the distinct role of collapsed polymers in directing anisotropic growth.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a new pathway for complex MCN synthesis.
• Coaxial-like MCNs exhibit superior photocatalytic activity compared to core-shell MCNs.
• This approach provides fundamental insights into controlling nanostructure growth.