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Polymerization-Like Co-Assembly of Silver Nanoplates and Patchy Spheres
Binbin Luo1, John W Smith1, Zixuan Wu1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, ‡Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.
ACS Nano
|July 18, 2017
Summary
Highly anisometric nanoplates copolymerize with patchy spheres, forming tunable 1D and 2D structures. This self-assembly process mimics molecular polymerization, enabling control over material properties for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Highly anisometric nanoparticles possess unique mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
- These properties make them attractive for self-assembly into complex structures.
- Dual length-scale nanoparticles offer novel material design capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the self-assembly of ultra-anisometric nanoplates with patchy spheres.
- To explore the formation of tunable one- and two-dimensional structures.
- To investigate the mechanistic framework governing this copolymerization process.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing ultra-anisometric nanoplates and patchy spheres (Janus and triblock particles).
- Observing self-assembly into 1D and 2D structures.
- Analyzing assembly kinetics using principles of molecular step-growth polymerization.
Main Results:
- Nanoplates copolymerize predictably with patchy spheres into ordered structures.
- Assembly pathway follows kinetics of molecular step-growth polymerization.
- Patchy spheres act as chain stoppers or branch points, controlling morphology and size.
- Post-assembly manipulation of lattice constant and stiffness is achievable.
Conclusions:
- Ultra-anisometric nanoplates enable predictable copolymerization with patchy spheres.
- This self-assembly offers control over architectural and material properties.
- Dual length-scale nanoparticles significantly expand the self-assembly toolbox.
