Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

A Continuous-flow Photocatalytic Reactor for the Precisely Controlled Deposition of Metallic Nanoparticles
Published on: April 10, 2019
Precise size control of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles through reconstruction using tripodal ligands
Yoshiyuki Kuroda1, Yuya Oka2, Tadao Yasuda2
1Green Hydrogen Research Center, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan. kuroda-yoshiyuki-ph@ynu.ac.jp.
Abstract:
Precise size control of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (LDHNPs) is crucial for their applications in anion exchange, catalysis, and drug delivery systems. Here, we report the synthesis of LDHNPs through a reconstruction method, using tripodal ligands (e.g., tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane; THAM). We found that the mechanism of reconstruction at least includes a dissolution-recrystallization process rather than topotactic transformation. THAM is immobilized on the surface of recrystallized LDHNPs with tridentate linkages, suppressing their crystal growth especially in lateral directions. The particle size of the LDHNPs is precisely controlled by the concentration of THAM regardless of the synthetic routes, such as coprecipitation and reconstruction. It is suggested that the particle size is controlled on the basis of Ostwald ripening which is governed by the equilibrium of the surface modification reaction.
Related Concept Videos
Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
Ligand Binding Sites
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Ligand Binding and Linkage
Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision
Cell Size
Surface Area
Cells can take in nutrients and water via diffusion through the plasma membrane itself or through specific channels in the membrane. The area of the membrane surrounding...

