Nanoparticles and Polymers, "Bricks and Mortar" Self-Assembly of Nanostructures
Abstract
Polymers provide a useful tool for the controlled assembly of colloidal nanoparticles. We have developed a bricks and mortar" strategy in which colloidal gold particles functionalized with recognition elements serve as the bricks and polymers bearing complementary functionality serve as mortar to hold together the nanoparticles. In this methodology, the conformational flexibility of the polymer compensates for irregularities in the size and shape of the aggregate structure. We have used this method to create discrete micrometer-scale spherical assemblies based on 2 nm gold nanoparticles. Both the size and shape of these assemblies can be controlled, providing spherical assemblies ranging from 50 nm to 1500 nm, as well as network structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP011011
Entities
People
- Andrew Boal
- Faysal Ilhan
- Thomas Paul Russell
- Vincent Rotello
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst