Low capping group surface density on zinc oxide nanocrystals

Atomic-Level Structure of the Organic-Inorganic Interface of Colloidal ZnO Nanoplatelets from Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Enhanced NMR

Colloidal semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs) have emerged as a new class of nanomaterials that can exhibit substantially distinct optical properties compared to those of isotropic quantum dots, which makes them prime candidates for new-generation optoelectronic devices. Insights into the structure and anisotropic growth of NPLs can offer a blueprint for their controlled fabrication. Here, we present an atomic-level investigation of the organic-inorganic interface structure in ultrathin and stable benzamidine (bza)-supported ZnO NPLs prepared by the modified one-pot self-supporting organometallic approach. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis showed a well-faceted hexagonal shape of ZnO NPLs with lateral surfaces terminated by nonpolar (101̅0) facets. The basal surfaces are flat and well-formed on one side and corrugated on the other side, which indicates that the layer-by-layer growth in the thickness of the NPLs likely occurs only in one direction via the expansion of 2D islands on the surface. The ligand coordination modes were elucidated using state-of-the-art dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy supported by density functional theory chemical shift calculations. Specifically, it was found that (101̅0) nonpolar facets are stabilized by neutral L-type bza-H ligands with hydrogen bond-supported η1-coordination mode, while polar (0001) and (0001̅) facets are covered by μ2-coordinated X-type anionic bza ligands with different conformations of aromatic rings. Moreover, the ligand packing on (101̅0) lateral facets was determined using 13C natural abundance (∼1.1%) homonuclear dipolar correlation experiments. Overall, an in-depth understanding of the growth mechanism and the unique bimodal X-type/L-type ligand coordination shell of ZnO NPLs is provided, which will facilitate further design of anisotropic nano-objects.

On the Fate of Lithium Ions in Sol-Gel Derived Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals

Among diverse chemical synthetic approaches to zinc oxide nanocrystals (ZnO NCs), ubiquitous inorganic sol-gel methodology proved crucial for advancements in ZnO-based nanoscience. Strikingly, unlike the exquisite level of control over morphology and size dispersity achieved in ZnO NC syntheses, the purity of the crystalline phase, as well as the understanding of the surface structure and the character of the inorganic-organic interface, have been limited to vague descriptors until very recently. Herein, ZnO NCs applying the standard sol-gel synthetic protocol are synthesized with zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide and tracked the integration of lithium (Li) cations into the interior and exterior of nanoparticles by combining various techniques, including advanced solid-state NMR methods. In contrast to common views, it is demonstrated that Li+ ions remain kinetically trapped in the inorganic core, enter into a shallow subsurface layer, and generate "swelling" of the surface and interface regions. Thus, this work enabled both the determination of the NCs' structural imperfections and an in-depth understanding of the unappreciated role of the Li+ ions in impacting the doping and the passivation of sol-gel-derived ZnO nanomaterials.

Mixed Ligand Passivation as the Origin of Near-Unity Emission Quantum Yields in CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals

Key features of syntheses, involving the quaternary ammonium passivation of CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals (NCs), include stable, reproducible, and large (often near-unity) emission quantum yields (QYs). The archetypical example involves didodecyl dimethyl ammonium (DDDMA⁺)-passivated CsPbBr₃ NCs where robust QYs stem from interactions between DDDMA⁺ and NC surfaces. Despite widespread adoption of this synthesis, specific ligand-NC surface interactions responsible for large DDDMA⁺-passivated NC QYs have not been fully established. Multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments now reveal a new DDDMA⁺-NC surface interaction, beyond established "tightly bound" DDDMA⁺ interactions, which strongly affects observed emission QYs. Depending upon the existence of this new DDDMA⁺ coordination, NC QYs vary broadly between 60 and 85%. More importantly, these measurements reveal surface passivation through unexpected didodecyl ammonium (DDA⁺) that works in concert with DDDMA⁺ to produce near-unity (i.e., >90%) QYs.

Ligand Conversion in Nanocrystal Synthesis: The Oxidation of Alkylamines to Fatty Acids by Nitrate

Ligands are a fundamental part of nanocrystals. They control and direct nanocrystal syntheses and provide colloidal stability. Bound ligands also affect the nanocrystals' chemical reactivity and electronic structure. Surface chemistry is thus crucial to understand nanocrystal properties and functionality. Here, we investigate the synthesis of metal oxide nanocrystals (CeO_2-x , ZnO, and NiO) from metal nitrate precursors, in the presence of oleylamine ligands. Surprisingly, the nanocrystals are capped exclusively with a fatty acid instead of oleylamine. Analysis of the reaction mixtures with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed several reaction byproducts and intermediates that are common to the decomposition of Ce, Zn, Ni, and Zr nitrate precursors. Our evidence supports the oxidation of alkylamine and formation of a carboxylic acid, thus unraveling this counterintuitive surface chemistry.

Investigation of Adsorption Behavior of Anticancer Drug on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Solid State NMR and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) Analysis

The present study aims to comprehend the adsorption behavior of a set of anticancer drugs namely 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin and daunorubicin on ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) proposed as drug delivery systems employing solid state (ss) NMR, FTIR and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) analysis. FTIR and ¹H MAS ssNMR data recorded for bare ZnO nanoparticle confirmed the presence of adsorbed -OH groups on the surface. ¹³C CP-MAS NMR spectra recorded for free and ZnO surface adsorbed drug samples exhibited considerable line broadening and chemical shift changes that complemented our earlier report on UV-DRS and XRD data of surface adsorption in case of 5-FU. Moreover, a remarkable enhancement of ¹³C signal intensity in case of loaded 5-FU was observed. This clearly indicated rigid nature of the drug on the surface allowing efficient transfer of ¹H polarization from the hetero nitrogen of 5-FU to ZnO to form surface hydroxyl (-OH) groups and the same has been observed in the quantum chemical calculations. To further analyze the motional dynamics of the surface adsorbed 5-FU, longitudinal relaxation times (T₁) were quantified employing Torchia method that revealed significant enhancement of ¹³C relaxation rate of adsorbed 5-FU. The enhanced rate suggested an effective role of quadrupolar contribution from ⁶⁷Zn to the ¹³C relaxation mechanism of ZnO_5-FU. The heterogeneous rate constant (k_het), average free energy of activation (∆G^≠) and point of zero charge (PZC) measured for free and drug loaded ZnO NPs samples using CV further support the SS-NMR results.

Two-Electron-Two-Proton Transfer from Colloidal ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles to Molecular Substrates

Transfers of multiple electrons and protons are challenging yet central to many energy-conversion processes and other chemical and biochemical reactions. Semiconducting oxides can hold multiple redox equivalents. This study describes the 2e^-/2H⁺ transfer reactivity of photoreduced ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticle (NP) colloids with molecular 2e^-/2H⁺ acceptors, to form new O-H, N-H, and C-H bonds. The reaction stoichiometries were monitored by NMR and optical spectroscopies. Faster 2e^-/2H⁺ transfer rates were observed for substrates forming O-H or N-H bonds, presumably due to initial hydrogen bonding at the oxide surface. Chemically reduced ZnO NPs stabilized by Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ also engage in 2e^-/2H⁺ transfer reactivity, showing that protons transferred in these processes are inherent to the oxide nanoparticles and do not exclusively stem from photoreduction. These results highlight the potential of ZnO and TiO₂ for multiple proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions.

Insights into the role of the lead/surfactant ratio in the formation and passivation of cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals

This study aims at rationalizing the effects of the lead/surfactant ratio on the structural evolution of cesium lead-bromide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), ascertaining how their shape and surface composition can be modulated by suitably adjusting the ligand amount (an equivolumetric mixture of oleic acid and oleyl amine) relatively to lead bromide. The tailoring of the reaction conditions allows the obtainment of blue-emitting CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets in the presence of ligand excess, while green-emitting nanocubes are achieved under low-surfactant conditions. An insight into the NC's shape evolution dictated by the different reaction conditions suggests that the generation of CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets is controlled by the dimensions of [(RNH3)2(PbBr4)]n layers formed before the injection of cesium oleate. The growth step promoted by preformed layers is concomitant to (but independent from) the nucleation process of lead-based species, leading to centrosymmetric nanocubes (prevalent in low-surfactant regimes) or Cs4PbBr6 NCs (prevalent in high-surfactant regimes). The proposed NC growth is supported by the analysis of the optical properties of non-purified samples, which reveal the selective presence of structures endowed with four cell unit average thickness accompanying larger emissive nanocubes. By combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques, it is ascertained that the lead/surfactant ratio also controls the relative proportion between lead-based species (PBr2, PbBr3-, PbBr42- and plausibly PbBr53- or PbBr64-) formed before cesium injection, which regulate the size of [(RNH3)2(PbBr4)]n layers as well as the formation of Cs4PbBr6 NCs during the nucleation stage. The surface chemistry of the differently structured perovskite NCs is investigated by correlating the elemental composition of the nanoparticles with specific NMR signals ascribable to the surface ligands. This level of investigation also sheds light on the stability of the time-dependent fluorescence exhibited by differently composed perovskite NCs before the loss of their colloidal integrity. Our findings can bring about a fine tuning of the synthetic methods currently employed for controlling the shape and surface chemistry of perovskite NCs.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Three-Dimensional Structure Generation of Zinc Oxide-Based Nanomedicine for Biomedical Applications

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been studied as metal-based drugs that may be used for biomedical applications due to the fact of their biocompatibility. Their physicochemical properties, which depend on synthesis techniques involving physical, chemical, biological, and microfluidic reactor methods affect biological activity in vitro and in vivo. Advanced tool-based physicochemical characterization is required to identify the biological and toxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have variable morphologies and can be molded into three-dimensional structures to enhance their performance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown therapeutic activity against cancer, diabetes, microbial infection, and inflammation. They have also shown the potential to aid in wound healing and can be used for imaging tools and sensors. In this review, we discuss the synthesis techniques, physicochemical characteristics, evaluation tools, techniques used to generate three-dimensional structures, and the various biomedical applications of ZnO nanoparticles.

Disclosing Interfaces of ZnO Nanocrystals Using Dynamic Nuclear Polarization: Sol-Gel versus Organometallic Approach

The unambiguous characterization of the coordination chemistry of nanocrystal surfaces produced by wet-chemical synthesis presently remains highly challenging. Here, zinc oxide nanocrystals (ZnO NCs) coated by monoanionic diphenyl phosphate (DPP) ligands were derived by a sol-gel process and a one-pot self-supporting organometallic (OSSOM) procedure. Atomic-scale characterization through dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP-)enhanced solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy has notably enabled resolving their vastly different surface-ligand interfaces. For the OSSOM-derived NCs, DPP moieties form stable and strongly-anchored μ₂ - and μ₃ -bridging-ligand pairs that are resistant to competitive ligand exchange. The sol-gel-derived NCs contain a wide variety of coordination modes of DPP ligands and a ligand exchange process takes place between DPP and glycerol molecules. This highlights the power of DNP-enhanced ssNMR for detailed NC surface analysis and of the OSSOM approach for the preparation of ZnO NCs.

Exploring the surface chemistry of cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) of cesium lead halide perovskites (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br or I) are emerging as an exciting class of optoelectronic materials, but the retention of their colloidal and structural integrity during isolation, purification and handling still represents a critical issue. The impelling questions concerning their intrinsic chemical instability are connected to the dynamic nature of the bonding between the inorganic surface and the long-chain capping ligands. However, the key aspects of CsPbX3's surface chemistry that directly impact their stability remain elusive. In this contribution, we provide an in-depth investigation of the surface properties of differently composed CsPbX3 NCs, prepared by traditional hot-injection methods. The study, mainly relying on solution NMR spectroscopy, is backed up by elemental analysis as well as morphological, structural and optical investigations. We ascertained that the nature of the ligand adsorption/desorption processes at the NC surface is dependent on its elemental composition, thus explaining the origin of the instability afflicting CsPbI3 NCs. We also evaluated the effect of NC purification as well as of the degradation pathways involving the organic shell on the surface chemistry of CsPbX3 NCs. This study paves the way for new post-functionalization strategies for this promising class of nanomaterials.

Luminescent zinc oxide nanoparticles: from stabilization to slow digestion depending on the nature of polymer coating

PEG-b-PAA and PEG-b-PVPA copolymers stabilize luminescent ZnO NPs in THF and enable their transfer to water.

Understanding the Surface Properties of Halide Exchanged Cesium Lead Halide Nanoparticles

This report describes a characterization study of the surfaces of CsPbBr₃ and CsPbBr_{3- x}I _x perovskite nanoparticles (NPs) obtained via a simultaneous purification and halide exchange (HE) postsynthetic processing technique. We studied composition-dependent NP-ligand interactions via diffusion ordered NMR (DOSY) and quantified resulting photoluminescence quantum yield (QY) as a function of halide exchange as well as ligand exchange. Importantly, ligand binding strength and QY were found to decrease when successive purification and/or halide/ligand exchange steps were taken without careful concurrent additions of acid and base ligands. This suggests that ligands added during postsynthetic processing steps are localized at the surface of the NP, passivating open surface sites. Further, we show that CsPbBr_{3- x}I _x with increasing CsPbI₃ character, obtained via the same method, have decreasing ligand density, from 6.4 to 1.4 to 0.2 nm^-2, indicating the composition-dependence of surface ligand binding, which also has consequences on the QY of the resulting mixed-halide NPs. These results shed further light on the importance of ion-ligand moiety additions during purification and halide exchange of highly emissive CsPbBr₃ NPs to maintain their as-synthesized properties, as well as the intrinsic differences in surfaces binding and photostability between near-unity QY CsPbBr₃ and mixed-halide CsPbBr_{3- x}I _x NPs.

Direct Monitoring of Molecular Events at the Surface: One-Step Access to Flexibly Stable Colloidal Ag Nanoparticles

Design, control, and direct characterization of surface properties are prerequisites to all the practical applications of nanoparticles. Since stable and homogeneous colloidal conditions are required for most applications, the amenability of nanoparticles to in-solution processing must also be addressed. Herein, we demonstrate that solution ¹H NMR spectroscopy is an effective tool for direct monitoring of the production of Ag nanoparticles. The production consists of two stages, complexation and reduction, which are both clearly observed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Design and synthesis of a series of amphiphilic amines have led to the one-step production of "flexibly" stable colloidal Ag nanoparticles, which form clear stable brown solutions in a wide range of solvents.

A White Light-Emitting Quantum Dot Complex for Single Particle Level Interaction with Dopamine Leading to Changes in Color and Blinking Profile

The interaction of the neurotransmitter dopamine is reported with a single particle white light-emitting (WLE) quantum dot complex (QDC). The QDC is composed of yellow emitting ZnO quantum dots (Qdots) and blue emitting Zn(MSA)₂ complex (MSA = N-methylsalicylaldimine) synthesized on their surfaces. Sensing is achieved by the combined changes in the visual luminescence color from white to blue, chromaticity color coordinates from (0.31, 0.33) to (0.24, 0.23) and the ratio of the exponents (α_on /α_off ) of on/off probability distribution (from 0.24 to 3.21) in the blinking statistics of WLE QDC. The selectivity of dopamine toward ZnO Qdots, present in WLE QDC, helps detect ≈13 dopamine molecules per Qdot. Additionally, the WLE QDC exhibits high sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 3.3 × 10^-9 m (in the linear range of 1-100 × 10^-9 m) and high selectivity in presence of interfering biological species. Moreover, the single particle on-off bilking statistics based detection strategy may provide an innovative way for ultrasensitive detection of analytes.

Multinuclear solid-state NMR study: a powerful tool for understanding the structure of ZnO hybrid nanoparticles

Characterization of hybrid materials is crucial for gaining an in-depth understanding of nano-objects.

Hydrolysis of organometallic and metal–amide precursors: synthesis routes to oxo-bridged heterometallic complexes, metal-oxo clusters and metal oxide nanoparticles

Organometallic and metal amide reagents react with –OH groups to generate metal–oxygen connectivity, yielding metal-oxo heterobimetallics, clusters and nanoparticles.

Influence of Tail Groups during Functionalization of ZnO Nanoparticles on Binding Enthalpies and Photoluminescence

We report on the tailoring of ZnO nanoparticle (NP) surfaces by catechol derivatives (CAT) with different functionalities: tert-butyl group (tertCAT), hydrogen (pyroCAT), aromatic ring (naphCAT), ester group (esterCAT), and nitro group (nitroCAT). The influence of electron-donating/-withdrawing properties on enthalpy of ligand binding (ΔH) was resolved and subsequently linked with optical properties. First, as confirmed by ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy results, all CAT molecules chemisorbed to ZnO NPs, independent of the distinct functionality. Interestingly, the ζ-potentials of ZnO after functionalization shifted to more negative values. Then, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and a mass-based method were applied to resolve the heat release during ligand binding and the adsorption isotherm, respectively. However, both heat- and mass-based approaches alone did not fully resolve the binding enthalpy of each molecule adsorbing to the ZnO surface. This is mainly due to the fact that the Langmuir model oversimplifies the underlying adsorption mechanism, at least for some of the tested CAT molecules. Therefore, a new, fitting-free approach was developed to directly access the adsorption enthalpy per molecule during functionalization by dividing the heat release measured via ITC by the amount of bound molecules determined from the adsorption isotherm. Finally, the efficiency of quenching the visible emission caused by ligand binding was investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, which turned out to follow the same trend as the binding enthalpy. Thus, the functionality of ligand molecules governs the binding enthalpy to the particle surface, which in turn, at least in the current case of ZnO, is an important parameter for the quenching of visible emission. We believe that establishing such correlations is an important step toward a more general way of selecting and designing ligand molecules for surface functionalization. This allows developing strategies for tailored colloidal surfaces beyond empirically driven formulation on a case by case basis.

Role of Proton Diffusion in the Nonexponential Kinetics of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer from Photoreduced ZnO Nanocrystals

Experiments have suggested that photoreduced ZnO nanocrystals transfer an electron and a proton to organic radicals through a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism. The kinetics of this process was studied by monitoring the decay of the absorbance that reflects the concentration of electrons in the conduction bands of the nanocrystals. Interestingly, this absorbance exhibited nonexponential decay kinetics that could not be explained by heterogeneities of the nanoparticles or electron content. To determine if proton diffusion from inside the nanocrystal to reactive sites on the surface could lead to such nonexponential kinetics, herein this process is modeled using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. These simulations provide the survival probability of a proton hopping among bulk, subsurface, and surface sites within the nanocrystal until it reaches a reactive surface site where it transfers to an organic radical. Using activation barriers predominantly obtained from periodic density functional theory, the simulations reproduce the nonexponential decay kinetics. This nonexponential behavior is found to arise from the broad distribution of lifetimes caused by different types of subsurface and surface sites. The longer lifetimes are associated with the proton becoming temporarily trapped in a subsurface site that does not have direct access to a reactive surface site due to capping ligands. These calculations suggest that movement of the protons rather than the electrons dominate the nonexponential kinetics of the PCET reaction. Thus, the impact of both bulk and surface properties of metal-oxide nanoparticles on proton conductivity should be considered when designing heterogeneous catalysts.

Theoretical Insights into Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer from a Photoreduced ZnO Nanocrystal to an Organic Radical

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) at metal-oxide nanoparticle interfaces plays a critical role in many photocatalytic reactions and energy conversion processes. Recent experimental studies have shown that photoreduced ZnO nanocrystals react by PCET with organic hydrogen atom acceptors such as the nitroxyl radical TEMPO. Herein, the interfacial PCET rate constant is calculated in the framework of vibronically nonadiabatic PCET theory, which treats the electrons and transferring proton quantum mechanically. The input quantities to the PCET rate constant, including the electronic couplings, are calculated with density functional theory. The computed interfacial PCET rate constant is consistent with the experimentally measured value for this system, providing validation for this PCET theory. In this model, the electron transfers from the conduction band of the ZnO nanocrystal to TEMPO concertedly with proton transfer from a surface oxygen of the ZnO nanocrystal to the oxygen of TEMPO. Moreover, the proton tunneling at the interface is gated by the relatively low-frequency proton donor-acceptor motion between the TEMPO radical and the ZnO nanocrystal. The ZnO nanocrystal and TEMPO are found to contribute similar amounts to the inner-sphere reorganization energy, implicating structural reorganization at the nanocrystal surface. These fundamental mechanistic insights may guide the design of metal-oxide nanocatalysts for a wide range of energy conversion processes.

Solution-phase synthesis of transition metal oxide nanocrystals: Morphologies, formulae, and mechanisms

In this review, we provide a broad overview of solution-phase synthesis of transition metal oxide nanocrystals (NCs), including a substantial catalog of published methods, and a unifying classification and discussion. Prevalent subcategories of solution-phase synthesis are delineated and general features are summarized. The diverse morphologies achievable by solution-phase synthesis are defined and exemplified. This is followed by sequential consideration of the solution-phase synthesis of first-row transition metal oxides. The common oxides of Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn are introduced; major crystal lattices are presented and illustrated; representative examples are explained; and numerous synthesis formulae are tabulated. Following this presentation of experimental studies, we present an introduction to theories of NC nucleation and growth. Various models of NC nucleation and growth are addressed, and important concepts determining the growth and structure of colloidal NCs are explained. Overall, this review provides an entry into systematic understanding of solution-phase synthesis of nanocrystals, with a reasonably comprehensive survey of results for the important category of transition metal oxide NCs.

Ligand Exchange and 1H NMR Quantification of Single- and Mixed-Moiety Thiolated Ligand Shells on Gold Nanoparticles

The use of nanoparticles in biomedicine critically depends on their surface chemistry. For metal nanoparticles, a common way to tune this surface chemistry is through mass action ligand exchange, where ligand exchange can be used to expand the functionality of the resulting nanoparticle conjugates. Specifically, the quantity, identity, and arrangement of the molecules in the resulting ligand shell each can be tuned significantly. Here, we describe methods to exchange and quantify thiolated and non-thiolated ligands on gold nanoparticle surfaces. Importantly, these strategies allow the quantification of multiple ligand types within a single ligand shell, simultaneously providing ligand composition and ligand density information. These results are crucial for both designing and assigning structure-function relationships in bio-functionalized nanoparticles, and these methods can be applied to a broad range of nanoparticle cores and ligand types including peptides, small molecule drugs, and oligonucleotides.

Molecular catalysis at polarized interfaces created by ferroelectric BaTiO3

Colloidal suspensions of ferroelectric BaTiO₃ nanoparticles act as a dispersible polarized interface that can influence the selectivity of non-faradaic reactions.

The local environment at polarized solid–liquid interfaces provides a unique medium for chemical reactions that could be exploited to control the selectivity of non-faradaic reactions. Polarized interfaces are commonly prepared by applying a voltage to an electrode in an electrolyte solution, but it is challenging to achieve high surface charge densities while suppressing faradaic reactions. Ferroelectric materials have permanent surface charge densities that arise from the dipole moments of ferroelectric domains and can be used to create polarized solid–liquid interfaces without applying a voltage. We studied the effects of ferroelectric oxides on the selectivity of a Rh porphyrin-catalyzed carbene rearrangement. The addition of ferroelectric BaTiO₃ nanoparticles to the reaction solution changed the product ratio in the same direction and by a similar magnitude as performing the reaction at an electrode–electrolyte interface polarized by a voltage. The results demonstrate that colloidal suspensions of BaTiO₃ nanoparticles act as a dispersible polarized interface that can influence the selectivity of non-faradaic reactions.

Ligand density quantification on colloidal inorganic nanoparticles

This review highlights current analytical methods for quantifying nanoparticle surface ligands and fundamental barriers to the accuracy of these techniques.

Simple phosphinate ligands access zinc clusters identified in the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles

The bottom-up synthesis of ligand-stabilized functional nanoparticles from molecular precursors is widely applied but is difficult to study mechanistically. Here we use ³¹P NMR spectroscopy to follow the trajectory of phosphinate ligands during the synthesis of a range of ligated zinc oxo clusters, containing 4, 6 and 11 zinc atoms. Using an organometallic route, the clusters interconvert rapidly and self-assemble in solution based on thermodynamic equilibria rather than nucleation kinetics. These clusters are also identified in situ during the synthesis of phosphinate-capped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Unexpectedly, the ligand is sequestered to a stable Zn₁₁ cluster during the majority of the synthesis and only becomes coordinated to the nanoparticle surface, in the final step. In addition to a versatile and accessible route to (optionally doped) zinc clusters, the findings provide an understanding of the role of well-defined molecular precursors during the synthesis of small (2–4 nm) nanoparticles.

Ligands and surfactants play an important part in the synthesis of nanoparticles from molecular precursors although their exact roles are poorly understood. Here, the authors isolate a range of intermediate sized zinc clusters and are able to spectroscopically probe the self-assembly and ligand effects.

Quantum Dot Surface Engineering: Toward Inert Fluorophores with Compact Size and Bright, Stable Emission

The surfaces of colloidal nanocrystals are complex interfaces between solid crystals, coordinating ligands, and liquid solutions. For fluorescent quantum dots, the properties of the surface vastly influence the efficiency of light emission, stability, and physical interactions, and thus determine their sensitivity and specificity when they are used to detect and image biological molecules. But after more than 30 years of study, the surfaces of quantum dots remain poorly understood and continue to be an important subject of both experimental and theoretical research. In this article, we review the physics and chemistry of quantum dot surfaces and describe approaches to engineer optimal fluorescent probes for applications in biomolecular imaging and sensing. We describe the structure and electronic properties of crystalline facets, the chemistry of ligand coordination, and the impact of ligands on optical properties. We further describe recent advances in compact coatings that have significantly improved their properties by providing small hydrodynamic size, high stability and fluorescence efficiency, and minimal nonspecific interactions with cells and biological molecules. While major progress has been made in both basic and applied research, many questions remain in the chemistry and physics of quantum dot surfaces that have hindered key breakthroughs to fully optimize their properties.

Identifying short surface ligands on metal phosphide quantum dots

The control and understanding of the chemical and physical properties of quantum dots (QDs) demands detailed surface characterization. However, probing the immediate interface between the inorganic core and the ligands is still a major challenge. Here we show that using cross-polarization magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR, unprecedented information can be obtained on the surface ligands of Cd3P2 and InP QDs. The resonances of fragments which are usually challenging to detect like methylene or methyl near the surface, can be observed with our approach. Moreover, ligands such as hydroxyl and ethoxide which have so far never been detected at the surface can be unambiguously identified. This NMR approach is versatile, applicable to any phosphides and highly sensitive since it remains effective for identifying quantities as low as a few percent of surface atoms.

Photoactive Langmuir-Blodgett, Freely Suspended and Free Standing Films of Carboxylate Ligand-Coated ZnO Nanocrystals

A new possibility for the formation of macroscopic and photoactive structures from zinc oxide nanocrystals is described. Photoactive freely suspended and free-standing films of macroscopic area (up to few square millimeters) and submicrometer thickness (up to several hundreds of nanometers) composed of carboxylate ligand-coated zinc oxide nanocrystallites (RCO2-ZnO NCs) of diameter less than 5 nm are prepared according to a modified Langmuir-Schaefer method. First, the suspension of RCO2-ZnO NCs is applied onto the air/water interface. Upon compression, the films become turbid and elastic. The integrity of such structures is ensured by interdigitation of ligands stabilizing ZnO NCs. Great elasticity allows transfer of the films onto a metal frame as a freely suspended film. Such membranes are afterward extracted from the supporting frame to form free-standing films of macroscopic area. Because the integrity of the films is maintained by ligands, no abolishment of quantum confinement occurs, and films retain spectroscopic properties of initial RCO2-ZnO NCs. The mechanism of formation of thin films of RCO2-ZnO NCs at the air/water interface is discussed in detail.

Impact of As-Synthesized Ligands and Low-Oxygen Conditions on Silver Nanoparticle Surface Functionalization

Here, we compare the ligand exchange behaviors of silver nanoparticles synthesized in the presence of two different surface capping agents: poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (MW = 10 or 40 kDa) or trisodium citrate, and under either ambient or low-oxygen conditions. In all cases, we find that the polymer capping agent exhibits features of a weakly bound ligand, producing better ligand exchange efficiencies with an incoming thiolated ligand compared to citrate. The polymer capping agent also generates nanoparticles that are more susceptible to reactions with oxygen during both synthesis and ligand exchange. The influence of the original ligand on the outcome of ligand exchange reactions with an incoming thiolated ligand highlights important aspects of silver nanoparticle surface chemistry, crucial for applications ranging from photocatalysis to antimicrobials.

Amino Acid-Based Stabilization of Oxide Nanocrystals in Polar Media: From Insight in Ligand Exchange to Solution ¹H NMR Probing of Short-Chained Adsorbates

Ligand exchange is a crucial step between nanocrystal synthesis and nanocrystal application. Although colloidal stability and ligand exchange in nonpolar media are readily established, the exchange of native, hydrophobic ligands with polar ligands is less systematic. In this paper, we present a versatile ligand exchange strategy for the phase transfer of carboxylic acid capped HfO2 and ZrO2 nanocrystals to various polar solvents, based on small amino acids as the incoming ligand. To gain insight in the fundamental mechanism of the exchange, we study this system with a combination of FTIR, zeta potential measurements, and solution (1)H NMR techniques. The detection of surface-associated, small ligands with solution NMR proves challenging in this respect. Tightly bound amino acids are undetectable, but their existence can be proven through displacement with other ligands in titration experiments. Alternatively, we find that methyl moieties belonging to bound species can circumvent these limitations because of their more favorable relaxation properties as a result of internal mobility. As such, our results are not limited to amino acids but to any short-chained ligand and will therefore facilitate the rigorous investigation and understanding of various ligand exchange processes.

Probing organic ligands and their binding schemes on nanocrystals by mass spectrometric and FT-IR spectroscopic imaging

We report an analysis method to identify conjugated ligands and their binding states on semiconductor nanocrystals based on their molecular information. Surface science techniques, such as time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and FT-IR spectroscopy, are adopted based on the micro-aggregated sampling method. Typical trioctylphosphine oxide-based synthesis methods of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) have been criticized because of the peculiar effects of impurities on the synthesis processes. Because the ToF-SIMS technique provides molecular composition evidence on the existence of certain ligands, we were able to clearly identify n-octylphosphonic acid (OPA) as a surface ligand on CdSe/ZnS QDs. Furthermore, the complementary use of the ToF-SIMS technique with the FT-IR technique could reveal the OPA ligands' binding state as bidentate complexes.

Highly Dynamic Ligand Binding and Light Absorption Coefficient of Cesium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals

Lead halide perovskite materials have attracted significant attention in the context of photovoltaics and other optoelectronic applications, and recently, research efforts have been directed to nanostructured lead halide perovskites. Collodial nanocrystals (NCs) of cesium lead halides (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) exhibit bright photoluminescence, with emission tunable over the entire visible spectral region. However, previous studies on CsPbX3 NCs did not address key aspects of their chemistry and photophysics such as surface chemistry and quantitative light absorption. Here, we elaborate on the synthesis of CsPbBr3 NCs and their surface chemistry. In addition, the intrinsic absorption coefficient was determined experimentally by combining elemental analysis with accurate optical absorption measurements. (1)H solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to characterize sample purity, elucidate the surface chemistry, and evaluate the influence of purification methods on the surface composition. We find that ligand binding to the NC surface is highly dynamic, and therefore, ligands are easily lost during the isolation and purification procedures. However, when a small amount of both oleic acid and oleylamine is added, the NCs can be purified, maintaining optical, colloidal, and material integrity. In addition, we find that a high amine content in the ligand shell increases the quantum yield due to the improved binding of the carboxylic acid.

From ligands to binding motifs and beyond; the enhanced versatility of nanocrystal surfaces

Surface chemistry bridges the gap between nanocrystal synthesis and their applications.

Reaction Dynamics of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer from Reduced ZnO Nanocrystals

The creation of systems that efficiently interconvert chemical and electrical energies will be aided by understanding proton-coupled electron transfers at solution-semiconductor interfaces. Steps in developing that understanding are described here through kinetic studies of reactions of photoreduced colloidal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals (NCs) with the nitroxyl radical TEMPO. These reactions proceed by proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) to give the hydroxylamine TEMPOH. They occur on the submillisecond to seconds time scale, as monitored by stopped-flow optical spectroscopy. Under conditions of excess TEMPO, the reactions are multiexponential in character. One of the contributors to this multiexponential kinetics may be a distribution of reactive proton sites. A graphical overlay method shows the reaction to be first order in [TEMPO]. Different electron concentrations in otherwise identical NC samples were achieved by three different methods: differing photolysis times, premixing with an unphotolyzed sample, or prereaction with TEMPO. The reaction velocities were consistently higher for NCs with higher numbers of electrons. For instance, NCs with an average of 2.6 e(-)/NC reacted faster than otherwise identical samples containing ≤1 e(-)/NC. Surprisingly, NC samples with the same average number of electrons but prepared in different ways often had different reaction profiles. These results show that properties beyond electron content determine PCET reactivity of the particles.

Probing the energetics of organic-nanoparticle interactions of ethanol on calcite

Knowing the nature of interactions between small organic molecules and surfaces of nanoparticles (NP) is crucial for fundamental understanding of natural phenomena and engineering processes. Herein, we report direct adsorption enthalpy measurement of ethanol on a series of calcite nanocrystals, with the aim of mimicking organic-NP interactions in various environments. The energetics suggests a spectrum of adsorption events as a function of coverage: strongest initial chemisorption on active sites on fresh calcite surfaces, followed by major chemical binding to form an ethanol monolayer and, subsequently, very weak, near-zero energy, physisorption. These thermochemical observations directly support a structure where the ethanol monolayer is bonded to the calcite surface through its polar hydroxyl group, leaving the hydrophobic ends of the ethanol molecules to interact only weakly with the next layer of adsorbing ethanol and resulting in a spatial gap with low ethanol density between the monolayer and subsequent added ethanol molecules, as predicted by molecular dynamics and density functional calculations. Such an ordered assembly of ethanol on calcite NP is analogous to, although less strongly bonded than, a capping layer of organics intentionally introduced during NP synthesis, and suggests a continuous variation of surface structure depending on molecular chemistry, ranging from largely disordered surface layers to ordered layers that nevertheless are mobile and can rearrange or be displaced by other molecules to strongly bonded immobile organic capping layers. These differences in surface structure will affect chemical reactions, including the further nucleation and growth of nanocrystals on organic ligand-capped surfaces.