Interpolymer Complexation as a Strategy for Nanoparticle Assembly and Crystallization

Journal Article · 06 December 2018 · Journal of Physical Chemistry. C

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b09647 · OSTI ID:1492299

Nayak, Srikanth ^[1]; Horst, Nathan  ^[1]; Zhang, Honghu ^[1]; Wang, Wenjie ^[1]; Mallapragada, Surya ^[1]; Travesset, Alex  ^[1]; Vaknin, David  ^[1]

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1. Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)

Controlled self-assembly of nanoparticles into ordered structures is a major step in fabricating nanotechnology based devices. Here, we report on the self-assembly of high quality superlattices of nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions induced via interpolymer complexation. Using small angle X-ray scattering, we demonstrate that the NPs crystallize into superlattices of FCC symmetry, initially driven by hydrogen bonding and subsequently by van der Waals forces between the complexed coronas of hydrogen-bonded polymers. We show that the lattice constant and crystal quality can be tuned by polymer concentration, suspension pH and the length of polymer chains. Interpolymer complexation to assemble nanoparticles is scalable, inexpensive, versatile and general.

• Research Organization: Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-07CH11358
• OSTI ID: 1492299
• Report Number(s): IS-J-9858
• Journal Information: Journal of Physical Chemistry. C, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry. C Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 123; ISSN 1932-7447
• Publisher: American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English