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Luo Y, Li K, Luo J, Wen Y, Shi S. Nanoparticle Surfactants at Complex Emulsion Interfaces. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401377. [PMID: 38778735 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Using nanoparticle surfactants to stabilize the liquid-liquid interface has attracted significant attention for developing all-liquid constructs including emulsions and liquid devices. Here, an efficient strategy is demonstrated to stabilize complex emulsions that consist of multiphase droplets by using the co-assembly between the cellulose nanocrystal and amine-functionalized polystyrene. Cellulose nanocrystal surfactants (CNCSs) form and assembly in situ at the specified area of emulsion interface, showing a unique pH responsiveness due to their dynamic nature and allowing the reconfiguration of complex emulsion from encapsulated to Janus structures. Such complex emulsions can be further used as the templates to fabricate polymeric particles with hollow, semi-spherical, and spherical shapes on large scale. These findings establish a promising platform for designing intelligent soft matter that can be used in microreactors, sensors, and anisotropic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Kaijuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jiaqiu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yunhui Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shaowei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for the Synthesis and Applications of Waterborne Polymers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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2
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Concellón A. Liquid Crystal Emulsions: A Versatile Platform for Photonics, Sensing, and Active Matter. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023:e202308857. [PMID: 37694542 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of liquid crystals (LCs) is a fascinating method for controlling the organization of discrete molecules into nanostructured functional materials. Although LCs are traditionally processed in thin films, their confinement within micrometre-sized droplets has recently revealed new properties and functions, paving the way for next-generation soft responsive materials. These recent findings have unlocked a wealth of unprecedented applications in photonics (e.g. reflectors, lasing materials), sensing (e.g. biomolecule and pathogen detection), soft robotics (e.g. micropumps, artificial muscles), and beyond. This Minireview focuses on recent developments in LC emulsion designs and highlights a variety of novel potential applications. Perspectives on the opportunities and new directions for implementing LC emulsions in future innovative technologies are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Concellón
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
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3
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Zeininger L. Responsive Janus droplets as modular sensory layers for the optical detection of bacteria. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04838-w. [PMID: 37450000 PMCID: PMC10404245 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04838-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The field of biosensor development is fueled by innovations in new functional transduction materials and technologies. Material innovations promise to extend current sensor hardware limitations, reduce analysis costs, and ensure broad application of sensor methods. Optical sensors are particularly attractive because they enable sensitive and noninvasive analyte detection in near real-time. Optical transducers convert physical, chemical, or biological events into detectable changes in fluorescence, refractive index, or spectroscopic shifts. Thus, in addition to sophisticated biochemical selector designs, smart transducers can improve signal transmission and amplification, thereby greatly facilitating the practical applicability of biosensors, which, to date, is often hampered by complications such as difficult replication of reproducible selector-analyte interactions within a uniform and consistent sensing area. In this context, stimuli-responsive and optically active Janus emulsions, which are dispersions of kinetically stabilized biphasic fluid droplets, have emerged as a novel triggerable material platform that provides as a versatile and cost-effective alternative for the generation of reproducible, highly sensitive, and modular optical sensing layers. The intrinsic and unprecedented chemical-morphological-optical coupling inside Janus droplets has facilitated optical signal transduction and amplification in various chemo- and biosensor paradigms, which include examples for the rapid and cost-effective detection of major foodborne pathogens. These initial demonstrations resulted in detection limits that rival the capabilities of current commercial platforms. This trend article aims to present a conceptual summary of these initial efforts and to provide a concise and comprehensive overview of the pivotal kinetic and thermodynamic principles that govern the ability of Janus droplets to sensitively and selectively respond to and interact with bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Zeininger
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
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4
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Anisotropic droplets with uniform internal structure prepared in batch-scale by combination of vortex mixing and phase separation. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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5
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Trinh V, Malloy CS, Durkin TJ, Gadh A, Savagatrup S. Detection of PFAS and Fluorinated Surfactants Using Differential Behaviors at Interfaces of Complex Droplets. ACS Sens 2022; 7:1514-1523. [PMID: 35442626 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water supplies will continue to have serious health and environmental consequences. Despite the importance of monitoring the concentrations of PFAS at potential sites of contamination and at treatment plants, there are few suitable and rapid on-site methods. Many nonconventional techniques do not possess the necessary selectivity and sensitivity to distinguish PFAS from other surface-active components and to quantify the low concentrations in real-world conditions. Herein, we report a novel and rapid method for the detection of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by leveraging their differential behaviors at the interfaces of emissive complex droplets. Measurement of surface and interfacial tensions via a force tensiometer reveals that PFAS preferentially self-assemble at the water-fluorocarbon oil interface (F/W) rather than the water-hydrocarbon oil interface (H/W). We also observe an opposite behavior for hydrocarbon surfactants. This difference in interfacial behavior produces distinct effects on the morphological change and optical emission of biphasic oil-in-water droplets. The change in the intensity of fluorescence emission, measured with a simple spectroscopic setup, correlates with the concentrations of PFAS. We also demonstrate that the range of detection and sensitivity can be tuned by adjusting the initial composition of the complex droplets. Our results illustrate an alternative mode of sensors that may provide a rapid and on-site detection of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Trinh
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Cameron S. Malloy
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Tyler J. Durkin
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Aakanksha Gadh
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Suchol Savagatrup
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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6
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Zhang H, Ge L, Ding C, Guo R. Magnetic response Janus emulsions stabilized by Mangeto-surfactant. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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7
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Ye Y, Hao H, Xie C. Photomechanical crystalline materials: new developments, property tuning and applications. CrystEngComm 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2ce00203e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This highlight gives an overview of the mechanism development, property tuning and application exploration of photomechanical crystalline materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ye
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hongxun Hao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- National Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chuang Xie
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- National Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
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8
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Raju RR, Koetz J. Inner Rotation of Pickering Janus Emulsions. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:3312. [PMID: 34947662 PMCID: PMC8708173 DOI: 10.3390/nano11123312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Janus droplets were prepared by vortex mixing of three non-mixable liquids, i.e., olive oil, silicone oil and water, in the presence of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the aqueous phase and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in the olive oil. The resulting Pickering emulsions were stabilized by a red-colored AuNP layer at the olive oil/water interface and MNPs at the oil/oil interface. The core-shell droplets can be stimulated by an external magnetic field. Surprisingly, an inner rotation of the silicon droplet is observed when MNPs are fixed at the inner silicon droplet interface. This is the first example of a controlled movement of the inner parts of complex double emulsions by magnetic manipulation via interfacially confined magnetic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joachim Koetz
- Institut für Chemie, Universität Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany;
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9
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Yang S, Qin W, He F, Zhao X, Zhou Q, Lin F, Gong H, Zhang S, Yu G, Feng Y, Li J. Tuning Supramolecular Polymers' Amphiphilicity via Host-Guest Interfacial Recognition for Stabilizing Multiple Pickering Emulsions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:51661-51672. [PMID: 34696581 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular host-guest chemistry bridging the adjustable amphiphilicity and macromolecular self-assembly is well advanced in aqueous media. However, the interfacial self-assembled behaviors have not been further exploited. Herein, we designed a β-cyclodextrin-grafted alginate/azobenzene-functionalized dodecyl (Alg-β-CD/AzoC12) supra-amphiphilic system that possessed tunable amphiphilicity by host-guest interfacial self-assembly. Especially, supra-amphiphilic aggregates could be utilized as highly efficient soft colloidal emulsifiers for stabilizing water-in-oil-water (W/O/W) Pickering emulsions due to the excellent interfacial activity. Meanwhile, the assembled particle structures could be modulated by adjusting the oil-water ratio, resulting from the tunable aggregation behavior of supra-amphiphilic macromolecules. Additionally, the interfacial adsorption films could be partially destroyed/reconstructed upon ultraviolet/visible irradiation due to the stimuli-altering balance of amphiphilicity of Alg-β-CD/AzoC12 polymers, further constructing the stimulus-responsive Pickering emulsions. Therefore, the supramolecular interfacial self-assembly-mediated approach not only technologically advances the continued development of creative templates to construct multifunctional soft materials with anisotropic structures but also serves as a creative bridge between supramolecular host-guest chemistry, colloidal interface science, and soft material technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Wenqi Qin
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Furui He
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Qichang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Feilin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Houkui Gong
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Gaobo Yu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
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10
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Diez‐Castellnou M, Suo R, Marro N, Matthew SAL, Kay ER. Rapidly Adaptive All-covalent Nanoparticle Surface Engineering. Chemistry 2021; 27:9948-9953. [PMID: 33871124 PMCID: PMC8362155 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Emerging nanotechnologies demand the manipulation of nanoscale components with the same predictability and programmability as is taken for granted in molecular synthetic methodologies. Yet installing appropriately reactive chemical functionality on nanomaterial surfaces has previously entailed compromises in terms of reactivity scope, functionalization density, or both. Here, we introduce an idealized dynamic covalent nanoparticle building block for divergent and adaptive post-synthesis modification of colloidal nanomaterials. Acetal-protected monolayer-stabilized gold nanoparticles are prepared via operationally simple protocols and are stable to long-term storage. Tunable surface densities of reactive aldehyde functionalities are revealed on-demand, leading to a wide range of adaptive surface engineering options from one nanoscale synthon. Analytically tractable with molecular precision, interfacial reaction kinetics and dynamic surface constitutions can be probed in situ at the ensemble level. High functionalization densities combined with rapid equilibration kinetics enable environmentally adaptive surface constitutions and rapid nanoparticle property switching in response to simple chemical effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rongtian Suo
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryUniversity of St AndrewsNorth HaughSt AndrewsKY16 9STUK
| | - Nicolas Marro
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryUniversity of St AndrewsNorth HaughSt AndrewsKY16 9STUK
| | - Saphia A. L. Matthew
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryUniversity of St AndrewsNorth HaughSt AndrewsKY16 9STUK
| | - Euan R. Kay
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryUniversity of St AndrewsNorth HaughSt AndrewsKY16 9STUK
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11
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Song R, Cho S, Shin S, Kim H, Lee J. From shaping to functionalization of micro-droplets and particles. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:3395-3416. [PMID: 36133725 PMCID: PMC9419121 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00276g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The structure of microdroplet and microparticle is a critical factor in their functionality, which determines the distribution and sequence of physicochemical reactions. Therefore, the technology of precisely tailoring their shape is requisite for implementing the user demand functions in various applications. This review highlights various methodologies for droplet shaping, classified into passive and active approaches based on whether additional body forces are applied to droplets to manipulate their functions and fabricate them into microparticles. The passive approaches cover batch emulsification, solvent evaporation and diffusion, micromolding, and microfluidic methods. In active approaches, the external forces, such as electrical and magnetic fields or optical lithography, are applied to microdroplets. Special attention is also given to latest technologies using microdroplets and microparticles, especially in the fields of biological, optical, robotic, and environmental applications. Finally, this review aims to address the advantages and disadvantages of the introduced approaches and suggests the direction for further development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryungeun Song
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Seongsu Cho
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Seonghun Shin
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Hyejeong Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University Seoul 02841 Korea
| | - Jinkee Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Korea
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12
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Mati IK, Edwards W, Marson D, Howe EJ, Stinson S, Posocco P, Kay ER. Probing Multiscale Factors Affecting the Reactivity of Nanoparticle-Bound Molecules. ACS NANO 2021; 15:8295-8305. [PMID: 33938222 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c09190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The structures and physicochemical properties of surface-stabilizing molecules play a critical role in defining the properties, interactions, and functionality of hybrid nanomaterials such as monolayer-stabilized nanoparticles. Concurrently, the distinct surface-bound interfacial environment imposes very specific conditions on molecular reactivity and behavior in this setting. Our ability to probe hybrid nanoscale systems experimentally remains limited, yet understanding the consequences of surface confinement on molecular reactivity is crucial for enabling predictive nanoparticle synthon approaches for postsynthesis engineering of nanoparticle surface chemistry and construction of devices and materials from nanoparticle components. Here, we have undertaken an integrated experimental and computational study of the reaction kinetics for nanoparticle-bound hydrazones, which provide a prototypical platform for understanding chemical reactivity in a nanoconfined setting. Systematic variation of just one molecular-scale structural parameter-the distance between reactive site and nanoparticle surface-showed that the surface-bound reactivity is influenced by multiscale effects. Nanoparticle-bound reactions were tracked in situ using 19F NMR spectroscopy, allowing direct comparison to the reactions of analogous substrates in bulk solution. The surface-confined reactions proceed more slowly than their solution-phase counterparts, and kinetic inhibition becomes more significant for reactive sites positioned closer to the nanoparticle surface. Molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to identify distinct supramolecular architectures and unexpected dynamic features of the surface-bound molecules that underpin the experimentally observed trends in reactivity. This study allows us to draw general conclusions regarding interlinked structural and dynamical features across several length scales that influence interfacial reactivity in monolayer-confined environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioulia K Mati
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, U.K
| | - William Edwards
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, U.K
| | - Domenico Marson
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Edward J Howe
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, U.K
| | - Scott Stinson
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, U.K
| | - Paola Posocco
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Euan R Kay
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, U.K
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13
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Abstract
Dispersions of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can exhibit paramagnetic ferrofluid or ferromagnetic liquid behavior. By modifying the surface functionality of MNPs, ferrofluids have been used to fabricate novel magnetically actuated devices. If the surface-functionalized MNPs interact with complementary ligands at a fluid-fluid interface, MNP surfactants form and in situ assemble at the interface. When jammed interfacially, MNP surfactants give rise to ferromagnetic behavior of the liquid (droplet), which is endowed with permanent magnetic dipoles while maintaining all of the characteristics of a fluid system. Here, we give a brief overview of the developments in the dispersion of MNPs in liquids from ferrofluids to ferromagnetic liquid droplets, their responses to external fields, and the manipulation of these responses for end uses. The reversible room-temperature para-to-ferro transformation of magnetic liquids is highlighted. We discuss challenges in the synthesis and characterization of these unusual liquids along with potential technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xubo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ye Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101407, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101407, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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14
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Chen HQ, Wang XY, Bisoyi HK, Chen LJ, Li Q. Liquid Crystals in Curved Confined Geometries: Microfluidics Bring New Capabilities for Photonic Applications and Beyond. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:3789-3807. [PMID: 33775094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The quest for interesting properties and phenomena in liquid crystals toward their employment in nondisplay application is an intense and vibrant endeavor. Remarkable progress has recently been achieved with regard to liquid crystals in curved confined geometries, typically represented as enclosed spherical geometries and cylindrical geometries with an infinitely extended axial-symmetrical space. Liquid-crystal emulsion droplets and fibers are intriguing examples from these fields and have attracted considerable attention. It is especially noteworthy that the rapid development of microfluidics brings about new capabilities to generate complex soft microstructures composed of both thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals. This review attempts to outline the recent developments related to the liquid crystals in curved confined geometries by focusing on microfluidics-mediated approaches. We highlight a wealth of novel photonic applications and beyond and also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development in this emerging research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Qing Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Xi-Yuan Wang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Lu-Jian Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
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15
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Djalali S, Frank BD, Zeininger L. Responsive drop method: quantitative in situ determination of surfactant effectiveness using reconfigurable Janus emulsions. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:10419-10424. [PMID: 33155583 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01724h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of surfactant effectiveness and thus an evaluation of their performance in a wide range of emulsion technologies requires a precise determination of key parameters including their critical micelle concentrations as well as their ability to lower the surface tension at interfaces. In this study, we describe a new approach to quantify marginal variations in interfacial tension of surfactant stabilized fluid interfaces. The method is based on a unique chemical-morphological coupling inside bi-phasic oil-in-water Janus emulsions that undergo dynamic morphological transitions in response to changes in the surfactant type, concentration, ratio, and configuration. Variations in Janus droplet morphologies are readily monitored in situ using a simple side-view imaging setup, resulting in a fast, convenient, cost-effective, time-, and sample-saving technique for the characterization of classical surfactant systems. In addition, the reported method facilitates monitoring of triggered changes in surfactant effectiveness, e.g. invoked by external triggers, and thus proves particularly useful for the in situ analysis of stimuli-responsive surfactants and emulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saveh Djalali
- Department of Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
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16
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Balaj RV, Zarzar LD. Reconfigurable complex emulsions: Design, properties, and applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0028606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca V. Balaj
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Lauren D. Zarzar
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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