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Rod-Like Nanoparticles with Striped and Helical Topography
Jani-Markus Malho1,2,3,4, Maria Morits1,2,3,4, Tina I Löbling1,2,3,4
1Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science, FIN-02150 Espoo, Finland.
ACS Macro Letters
|June 5, 2022
Summary
Researchers created complex surface patterns on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) using block copolymers. This facile method yields striped or helical topographies, offering a versatile platform for advanced nanoparticle design.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Nanoparticle behavior in solution is dictated by shape and surface interactions.
- Creating nanoparticles with intricate surface patterns and topographies is challenging.
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are promising nanomaterials but require surface modification for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and modular method for creating complex surface topographies on nanoparticles.
- To investigate the self-assembly of polyanionic brushes on CNCs via interpolyelectrolyte complexation.
- To demonstrate the potential for spatially controlled functionalization of nanoparticle surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Tethering polyanionic brushes to rod-like cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).
- Inducing interpolyelectrolyte complexation with polycationic diblock copolymers.
- Analyzing the resulting 3D surface topography using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and tomography (cryo-ET).
Main Results:
- Spontaneous development of striped or helical topographies on CNC surfaces.
- Successful visualization and analysis of the complex 3D surface structures.
- Demonstration of a facile and modular self-assembly process.
Conclusions:
- A versatile platform for creating surface-patterned nanoparticles with complex topographies has been established.
- The method allows for spatially arranged functional groups on nanoparticles.
- This approach can be extended to various block chemistries, nanoparticles, and surfaces.
