Subnanometre ligand-shell asymmetry leads to Janus-like nanoparticle membranes

Development, Validation, and Applications of Nonbonded Interaction Parameters between Coarse-Grained Amino Acid and Water Models

Interactions between amino acids and water play an important role in determining the stability and folding/unfolding, in aqueous solution, of many biological macromolecules, which affects their function. Thus, understanding the molecular-level interactions between water and amino acids is crucial to tune their function in aqueous solutions. Herein, we have developed nonbonded interaction parameters between the coarse-grained (CG) models of 20 amino acids and the one-site CG water model. The nonbonded parameters, represented using the 12-6 Lennard Jones (LJ) potential form, have been optimized using an artificial neural network (ANN)-assisted particle swarm optimization (PSO) (ANN-assisted PSO) method. All-atom (AA) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of dipeptides in TIP3P water molecules were performed to calculate the Gibbs hydration free energies. The nonbonded force-field (FF) parameters between CG amino acids and the one-site CG water model were developed to accurately reproduce these energies. Furthermore, to test the transferability of these newly developed parameters, we calculated the hydration free energies of the analogues of the amino acid side chains, which showed good agreement with reported experimental data. Additionally, we show the applicability of these models by performing self-assembly simulations of peptide amphiphiles. Overall, these models are transferable and can be used to study the self-assembly of various biomaterials and biomolecules to develop a mechanistic understanding of these processes.

Improved Coarse-Grained Model for Nanoparticles Based on the Martini Force Field and Its Application in Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Gel Ink

Research on the dispersion and stability of nanoparticles in liquid media is one of the key subjects for nanomaterial utilization. In consideration of the preponderance of coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in following and understanding the structure and dynamics on the nanoscale, an improved CG model for nanoparticles based on the Martini force field is established to facilitate the more extensive applications of this simulation method and further studies on complex nanoparticle liquid systems. Gel ink is selected as the liquid system for nanoparticles to validate the improved CG model on the one hand and introduce the CGMD simulation method into the studies of this system on the other. The calculation shows that the improved model can provide relatively precise results and has good computational stability. The effect mechanisms of the thickener and disperser on the carbon black nanoparticle are similar, namely the result of a delicate balance between the interaction of the thickener/disperser with the carbon black nanoparticle and the interaction of the thickener and disperser with each other. Furthermore, the phase assimilating effect of disperser molecules is key for separating the agglomerated carbon black nanoparticles; thereafter, the space steric hindrance effect and the electrostatic hindrance effect play main roles in maintaining the dispersion of carbon black nanoparticles.

NanoRobotic Structures with Embedded Actuation via Ion Induced Folding

4D structures are tridimensional structures with time-varying abilities that provide high versatility, sophisticated designs, and a broad spectrum of actuation and sensing possibilities. The downsizing of these structures below 100 μm opens up exceptional opportunities for many disciplines, including photonics, acoustics, medicine, and nanorobotics. However, it requires a paradigm shift in manufacturing methods, especially for dynamic structures. A novel fabrication method based on ion-induced folding of planar multilayer structures embedding their actuation is proposed-the planar structures are fabricated in bulk through batch microfabrication techniques. Programmable and accurate bidirectional foldings (-70° - +90°) of Silica/Chromium/Aluminium (SiO₂ /Cr/Al) multilayer structures are modeled, experimentally demonstrated then applied to embedded electrothermal actuation of controllable and dynamic 4D nanorobotic structures. The method is used to produce high-performances case-study grippers for nanorobotic applications in confined environments. Once folded, a gripping task at the nano-scale is demonstrated. The proposed fabrication method is suitable for creating small-scale 4D systems for nanorobotics, medical devices, and tunable metamaterials, where rapid folding and enhanced dynamic control are required.

Light Scattering and Luminophore Enrichment-Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence by a 2D Porous Ru@SiO2 Nanoparticle Membrane and Its Application in Ultrasensitive Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) by virtue of its controllability and versatility has emerged as a significant tool in bioassay, but how to integrate it with other (nano)materials and further break the limit of sensitivity for ultrasensitive detection still possess tremendous potential. Herein, a close-packed Ru@SiO₂ NP nanomembrane that serves as an enhanced substrate and luminophore enricher simultaneously was constructed by the liquid-liquid interface self-assembly method and applied for ECL-enhanced bioassay. The developed ECL electrode obtained ∼600-fold enhancement on ECL intensity compared with the bare ITO electrode and ∼21-fold enhancement compared with the SiO₂ NP nanomembrane electrode due to the dramatic light scattering of the 2D SiO₂ NPs and the enrichment of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ molecules on the surface of the Ru@SiO₂ NP nanomembrane electrode. Based on the fascinating Ru@SiO₂ NP nanomembrane platform, we further constructed a label-free immunosensor for the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The as-fabricated Ru@SiO₂-nanomembrane ECL immunosensor exhibited good stability and performed ultrasensitive detection with an utmost low detection limit of 0.169 fg·mL^-1 (signal/noise = 3). Our work puts forward an effective solution benefiting for further improving ECL performance for ultrasensitive bioassays.

The Martini Model in Materials Science

The Martini model, a coarse-grained force field initially developed with biomolecular simulations in mind, has found an increasing number of applications in the field of soft materials science. The model's underlying building block principle does not pose restrictions on its application beyond biomolecular systems. Here, the main applications to date of the Martini model in materials science are highlighted, and a perspective for the future developments in this field is given, particularly in light of recent developments such as the new version of the model, Martini 3.

Martini 3: a general purpose force field for coarse-grained molecular dynamics

The coarse-grained Martini force field is widely used in biomolecular simulations. Here we present the refined model, Martini 3 ( http://cgmartini.nl ), with an improved interaction balance, new bead types and expanded ability to include specific interactions representing, for example, hydrogen bonding and electronic polarizability. The updated model allows more accurate predictions of molecular packing and interactions in general, which is exemplified with a vast and diverse set of applications, ranging from oil/water partitioning and miscibility data to complex molecular systems, involving protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions and material science applications as ionic liquids and aedamers.

Electron Beam Maneuvering of a Single Polymer Layer for Reversible 3D Self-Assembly

Reversible self-assembly that allows materials to switch between structural configurations has triggered innovation in various applications, especially for reconfigurable devices and robotics. However, reversible motion with nanoscale controllability remains challenging. This paper introduces a reversible self-assembly using stress generated by electron irradiation triggered degradation (shrinkage) of a single polymer layer. The peak position of the absorbed energy along the depth of a polymer layer can be modified by tuning the electron energy; the peak absorption location controls the position of the shrinkage generating stress along the depth of the polymer layer. The stress gradient can shift between the top and bottom surface of the polymer by repeatedly tuning the irradiation location at the nanoscale and the electron beam voltage, resulting in reversible motion. This reversible self-assembly process paves the path for the innovation of small-scale machines and reconfigurable functional devices.

Free Thiols Regulate the Interactions and Self-Assembly of Thiol-Passivated Metal Nanoparticles

Thiol ligands bound to the metallic core of nanoparticles determine their interactions with the environment and self-assembly. Recent studies suggest that equilibrium between bound and free thiols alters the ligand coverage of the core. Here, X-ray scattering and MD simulations investigate water-supported monolayers of gold-core nanoparticles as a function of the core-ligand coverage that is varied in experiments by adjusting the concentration of total thiols (sum of free and bound thiols). Simulations demonstrate that the presence of free thiols produces a nearly symmetrical coating of ligands on the core. X-ray measurements show that above a critical value of core-ligand coverage the nanoparticle core rises above the water surface, the edge-to-edge distance between neighboring nanoparticles increases, and the nanoparticle coverage of the surface decreases. These results demonstrate the important role of free thiols: they regulate the organization of bound thiols on the core and the interactions of nanoparticles with their surroundings.

A combined experimental and computational approach reveals how aromatic peptide amphiphiles self-assemble to form ion-conducting nanohelices

Reported here is a combined experimental-computational strategy to determine structure-property-function relationships in persistent nanohelices formed by a set of aromatic peptide amphiphile (APA) tetramers with the general structure K S XEK S , where KS= S-aroylthiooxime modified lysine, X = glutamic acid or citrulline, and E = glutamic acid. In low phosphate buffer concentrations, the APAs self-assembled into flat nanoribbons, but in high phosphate buffer concentrations they formed nanohelices with regular twisting pitches ranging from 9-31 nm. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations mimicking low and high salt concentrations matched experimental observations, and analysis of simulations revealed that increasing strength of hydrophobic interactions under high salt conditions compared with low salt conditions drove intramolecular collapse of the APAs, leading to nanohelix formation. Analysis of the radial distribution functions in the final self-assembled structures led to several insights. For example, comparing distances between water beads and beads representing hydrolysable KS units in the APAs indicated that the KS units in the nanohelices should undergo hydrolysis faster than those in the nanoribbons; experimental results verified this hypothesis. Simulation results also suggested that these nanohelices might display high ionic conductivity due to closer packing of carboxylate beads in the nanohelices than in the nanoribbons. Experimental results showed no conductivity increase over baseline buffer values for unassembled APAs, a slight increase (0.4 × 102 μS/cm) for self-assembled APAs under low salt conditions in their nanoribbon form, and a dramatic increase (8.6 × 102 μS/cm) under high salt conditions in their nanohelix form. Remarkably, under the same salt conditions, these self-assembled nanohelices conducted ions 5-10-fold more efficiently than several charged polymers, including alginate and DNA. These results highlight how experiments and simulations can be combined to provide insight into how molecular design affects self-assembly pathways; additionally, this work highlights how this approach can lead to discovery of unexpected properties of self-assembled nanostructures.

Self-assembly of anisotropic nanoparticles into functional superstructures

Self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) into superstructures offers a flexible and promising pathway to manipulate the nanometer-sized particles and thus make full use of their unique properties. This bottom-up strategy builds a bridge between the NP regime and a new class of transformative materials across multiple length scales for technological applications. In this field, anisotropic NPs with size- and shape-dependent physical properties as self-assembly building blocks have long fascinated scientists. Self-assembly of anisotropic NPs not only opens up exciting opportunities to engineer a variety of intriguing and complex superlattice architectures, but also provides access to discover emergent collective properties that stem from their ordered arrangement. Thus, this has stimulated enormous research interests in both fundamental science and technological applications. This present review comprehensively summarizes the latest advances in this area, and highlights their rich packing behaviors from the viewpoint of NP shape. We provide the basics of the experimental techniques to produce NP superstructures and structural characterization tools, and detail the delicate assembled structures. Then the current understanding of the assembly dynamics is discussed with the assistance of in situ studies, followed by emergent collective properties from these NP assemblies. Finally, we end this article with the remaining challenges and outlook, hoping to encourage further research in this field.

Macroscopic two-dimensional monolayer films of gold nanoparticles: fabrication strategies, surface engineering and functional applications

In the last few decades, two-dimensional monolayer films of gold nanoparticles (2D MFGS) have attracted increasing attention in various fields, due to their superior attributes of macroscopic size and accessible fabrication, controllable electromagnetic enhancement, distinctive optical harvesting and electron transport capabilities. This review will focus on the recent progress of 2D monolayer films of gold nanoparticles in construction approaches, surface engineering strategies and functional applications in the optical and electric fields. The research challenges and prospective directions of 2D MFGS are also discussed. This review would promote a better understanding of 2D MFGS and establish a necessary bridge among the multidisciplinary research fields.

Machine learning approach for accurate backmapping of coarse-grained models to all-atom models

Four different machine learning (ML) regression models: artificial neural network, k-nearest neighbors, Gaussian process regression and random forest were built to backmap coarse-grained models to all-atom models.

The influence of fractional surface coverage on the core-core separation in ordered monolayers of thiol-ligated Au nanoparticles

We report the results of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) measurements from water supported Langmuir monolayers of gold nanoparticles ligated with dodecanethiol (12 carbons), tetradecanethiol (14 carbons), hexadecanethiol (16 carbons), and octadecanethiol (18 carbons). These monolayers are formed from solutions with varying concentrations of the respective thiols. We show that equilibrium between adsorbed thiol molecules and the thiols in the bulk solution implies fractional coverage of the Au nanoparticle core. We also show that the nanoparticle-nanoparticle separation and the correlation length of particles in these ordered films increases with thiol concentration in the parent solution, and that excess thiol can be found in the space between particles as well as in islands away from the particles. Using the equilibrium constant relating ligand solution concentration and nanoparticle surface coverage of the gold core by the ligand molecules, we interpret the way in which varying thiol concentration affects the nanoparticle-nanoparticle separation as a function of surface coverage of the gold core by the ligand molecules.

2D Freestanding Janus Gold Nanocrystal Superlattices

2D freestanding nanocrystal superlattices represent a new class of advanced metamaterials in that they can integrate mechanical flexibility with novel optical, electrical, plasmonic, and magnetic properties into one multifunctional system. The freestanding 2D superlattices reported to date are typically constructed from symmetrical constituent building blocks, which have identical structural and functional properties on both sides. Here, a general ligand symmetry-breaking strategy is reported to grow 2D Janus gold nanocrystal superlattice sheets with nanocube morphology on one side yet with nanostar on the opposite side. Such asymmetric metallic structures lead to distinct wetting and optical properties as well as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effects. In particular, the SERS enhancement of the nanocube side is about 20-fold of that of the nanostar side, likely due to the combined "hot spot + lightening-rod" effects. This is nearly 700-fold of SERS enhancement as compared with the symmetric nanocube superlattices without Janus structures.

Covalent-Cross-Linked Plasmene Nanosheets

Thiol-polystyrene (SH-PS)-capped plasmonic nanoparticles can be fabricated into free-standing, one-nanoparticle-thick superlattice sheets (termed plasmene) based on physical entanglement between ligands, which, however, suffer from irreversible dissociation in organic solvents. To address this issue, we introduce coumarin-based photo-cross-linkable moieties to the SH-PS ligands to stabilize gold nanoparticles. Once cross-linked, the obtained plasmene nanosheets consisting of chemically locked nanoparticles can well maintain structural integrity in organic solvents. Particularly, arising from ligand-swelling-induced enlargement of the interparticle spacing, these plasmene nanosheets show significant optical responses to various solvents in a specific as well as reversible manner, which may offer an excellent material for solvent sensing and dynamic plasmonic display.

Ligand dynamics control structure, elasticity, and high-pressure behavior of nanoparticle superlattices

Precise engineering of nanoparticle superlattices (NPSLs) for energy applications requires a molecular-level understanding of the physical factors governing their morphology, periodicity, mechanics, and response to external stimuli. Such knowledge, particularly the impact of ligand dynamics on physical behavior of NPSLs, is still in its infancy. Here, we combine coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, and small angle X-ray scattering experiments in a diamond anvil cell to demonstrate that coverage density of capping ligands (i.e., number of ligands per unit area of a nanoparticle's surface), strongly influences the structure, elasticity, and high-pressure behavior of NPSLs using face-centered cubic PbS-NPSLs as a representative example. We demonstrate that ligand coverage density dictates (a) the extent of diffusion of ligands over NP surfaces, (b) spatial distribution of the ligands in the interstitial spaces between neighboring NPs, and (c) the fraction of ligands that interdigitate across different nanoparticles. We find that below a critical coverage density (1.8 nm-2 for 7 nm PbS NPs capped with oleic acid), NPSLs collapse to form disordered aggregates via sintering, even under ambient conditions. Above the threshold ligand coverage density, NPSLs surprisingly preserve their crystalline order even under high applied pressures (∼40-55 GPa), and show a completely reversible pressure behavior. This opens the possibility of reversibly manipulating lattice spacing of NPSLs, and in turn, finely tuning their collective electronic, optical, thermo-mechanical, and magnetic properties.

Designing Janus Ligand Shells on PbS Quantum Dots using Ligand-Ligand Cooperativity

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of ligand-ligand cooperativity during X-type carboxylate-to-carboxylate ligand exchange reactions on PbS quantum dot surfaces. We find that the ligand dipole moment (varied through changing the substituents on the benzene ring of cinnamic acid derivatives) impacts the ligand-exchange isotherms; in particular, ligands with large electron withdrawing character result in a sharper transition from an oleate-dominated ligand shell to a cinnamate-dominated ligand shell. We developed a two-dimensional lattice model to simulate the ligand-exchange isotherms that accounts for the difference in ligand binding energy as well as ligand-ligand cooperativity. Our model shows that ligands with larger ligand-ligand coupling energy exhibit sharper isotherms indicating an order-disorder phase transition. Finally, we developed an anisotropic Janus ligand shell by taking advantage of the ligand-ligand cooperative ligand exchanges. We monitored the Janus ligand shell using ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance, showing that when the ligand-ligand coupling energy falls within the order region of the phase diagram, Janus ligand shells can be constructed.

pH and Temperature Dual-Responsive Plasmonic Switches of Gold Nanoparticle Monolayer Film for Multiple Anticounterfeiting

Two-dimensional (2D) gold nanoparticle (Au NP) monolayer film possesses a lot of fascinating peculiarities, and has shown promising applications in photoelectrical devices, catalysis, spectroscopy, sensors, and anticounterfeiting. Because of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property predetermined by the natural structure of metal nanoparticles, it is usually difficult to realize the reversible LSPR transition of 2D film. In this work, we report on the fabrication of a large-area free-standing Au NP monolayer film with dual-responsive switchable plasmonic property using a pH- or thermal-responsive dendronized copolymer as a stimuli-sensitive linker. In this system, an oligoethylene-glycol-based (OEG-based) dendronized copolymer (named PG1A) with pH or temperature sensitivity was first modified onto the surface of a Au NP. Then, polyethylene glycol dibenzyl aldehyde (PEG-DA) was introduced to interact with the amino moieties from PG1A before the process of oil-water interfacial self-assembly of NPs, resulting in an elastic, robust, pH- or temperature-sensitive interpenetrating network among Au NPs in monolayer films. In addition, the film could exhibit reversibly plasmonic shifts of about 77 nm and inherent color changes through varying temperature or pH. The obtained free-standing monolayer film also shows an excellent transferable property, which can be easily transferred onto substrates such as plastic molds, PDMS, copper grids, and silicon wafers. In virtue of these peculiarities of the free-standing property, special plasmonic signal, and homologous macroscopic color, the transferred film was primely applied to an anticounterfeiting security label with clear color change at the designed spots, providing a new avenue to plasmonic nanodevices with various applications.

How Implementation of Entropy in Driving Structural Ordering of Nanoparticles Relates to Assembly Kinetics: Insight into Reaction-Induced Interfacial Assembly of Janus Nanoparticles

The ability to understand and exploit entropic contributions to ordering transition is of essential importance in the design of self-assembling systems with well-controlled structures. However, much less is known about the role of assembly kinetics in entropy-driven phase behaviors. Here, by combining computer simulations and theoretical analysis, we report that the implementation of entropy in driving phase transition significantly depends on the kinetic process in the reaction-induced self-assembly of newly designed nanoparticle systems. In particular, such systems comprise binary Janus nanoparticles at the fluid-fluid interface and undergo phase transition driven by entropy and controlled by the polymerization reaction initiated from the surfaces of just one component of nanoparticles. Our simulations demonstrate that the competition between the reaction rate and the diffusive dynamics of nanoparticles governs the implementation of entropy in driving the phase transition from randomly mixed phase to intercalated phase in these interfacial nanoparticle mixtures, which thereby results in diverse kinetic pathways. At low reaction rates, the transition exhibits abrupt jump in the mixing parameter, in a similar way to first-order, equilibrium phase transition. Increasing the reaction rate diminishes the jumps until the transitions become continuous, behaving as a second-order-like phase transition, where a critical exponent, characterizing the transition, can be identified. We finally develop an analytical model of the blob theory of polymer chains to complement the simulation results and reveal essential scaling laws of the entropy-driven phase behaviors. In effect, our results allow for further opportunities to amplify the entropic contributions to the materials design via kinetic control.

Structure and Dynamics of Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticle Monolayers at Fluid Interfaces

Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles at fluid interfaces offer great potential for realizing on-demand and controllable self-assembly that can benefit various applications. Here, we conducted electrostatic dissipative particle dynamics simulations to provide a fundamental understanding of the microstructure and interfacial dynamics of responsive nanoparticle monolayers at a water-oil interface. The model nanoparticle is functionalized with polyelectrolytes to render the pH sensitivity, which permits further manipulation of the monolayer properties. The monolayer structure was analyzed in great detail through the density and electric field distributions, structure factor, and Voronoi tessellation. Even at a low surface coverage, a continuous disorder-to-order phase transition was observed when the particle's degree of ionization increases in response to pH changes. The six-neighbor particle fraction and bond orientation order parameter quantitatively characterize the structural transition induced by long-range electrostatic interactions. Adding salt can screen the electrostatic interactions and offer additional control on the monolayer structure. The detailed dynamics of the monolayer in different states was revealed by analyzing mean-squared displacements, in which different diffusion regimes were identified. The self-diffusion of individual particles and the collective dynamics of the whole monolayer were probed and correlated with the structural transition. Our results provide deeper insight into the dynamic behavior of responsive nanoparticle surfactants and lay the groundwork for bottom-up synthesis of novel nanomaterials, responsive emulsions, and microdroplet reactors.

Shape Transformation of Constituent Building Blocks within Self-Assembled Nanosheets and Nano-origami

Self-assembly of nanoparticles represents a simple yet efficient route to synthesize designer materials with unusual properties. However, the previous assembled structures whether by surfactants, polymer, or DNA ligands are "static" or "frozen" building block structures. Here, we report the growth of transformable self-assembled nanosheets which could enable reversible switching between two types of nanosheets and even evolving into diverse third generation nanosheet structures without losing pristine periodicity. Such in situ transformation of nanoparticle building blocks can even be achieved in a free-standing two-dimensional system and three-dimensional origami. The success in such in situ nanocrystal transformation is attributed to robust "plant-cell-wall-like" ion-permeable reactor arrays from densely packed polymer ligands, which spatially define and confine nanoscale nucleation/growth/etching events. Our strategy enables efficient fabrication of nanocrystal nanosheets with programmable building blocks for innovative applications in adaptive tactile metamaterials, optoelectronic devices, and sensors.

Thermal transport across nanoparticle-fluid interfaces: the interplay of interfacial curvature and nanoparticle-fluid interactions

We investigate the general dependence of the thermal transport across nanoparticle-fluid interfaces using molecular dynamics computations. We show that the thermal conductance depends strongly both on the wetting characteristics of the nanoparticle-fluid interface and on the nanoparticle size. Strong nanoparticle-fluid interactions, leading to full wetting states in the host fluid, result in high thermal conductances and efficient interfacial transport of heat. Weak interactions result in partial drying or full drying states, and low thermal conductances. The variation of the thermal conductance with particle size is found to depend on the fluid-nanoparticle interactions. Strong interactions coupled with large interfacial curvatures lead to optimum interfacial heat transport. This complex dependence can be modelled using an equation that includes the interfacial curvature as a parameter. In this way, we rationalise the existing experimental and computer simulation results and show that the thermal transport across nanoscale interfaces is determined by the correlations of both interfacial curvature and nanoparticle-fluid interactions.

Thermodynamic Model for Quantum Dot Assemblies Formed Because of Charge Transfer

Two initially neutral semiconductor quantum dots with appropriate band offsets can participate in a ground state charge transfer process. The charge transfer manifests itself in the form of bleaching of optical transitions and also causes the quantum dots to precipitate from solution, giving rise to assemblies with unusual properties. As this represents a postsynthetic modification of the electronic structure of quantum dots, it holds tremendous potential for improving the characteristics of quantum dot devices. Here, we study the dependencies of the properties of these assemblies on the structure of the participating quantum dots. In particular, we find that for assemblies formed out of Cu:CdS and ZnTe/CdS quantum dots, the composition of the assembly varies from 1:1.26 to 1:0.23 ZnTe/CdS to Cu:CdS as the shell thickness of CdS in ZnTe/CdS is increased. In contrast, the composition changes from 1:1.1 to 1:15 for PbSe/CdSe and Cu:CdS quantum dots, as the size of the PbSe core is increased. These observations are explained on the basis of a phenomenological thermodynamic model. The applicability of thermodynamics to this example of self-assembly is verified empirically.

Dynamic Organization of Ligand-Grafted Nanoparticles during Adsorption and Surface Compression at Fluid-Fluid Interfaces

Monolayers of ligand-grafted nanoparticles at fluid interfaces exhibit a complex response to deformation due to an interplay of particle rearrangements within the monolayer, and molecular rearrangements of the ligand brush on the surface of the particles. We use grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) combined with pendant drop tensiometry to probe in situ the dynamic organization of ligand-grafted nanoparticles upon adsorption at a fluid-fluid interface, and during monolayer compression. Through the simultaneous measurements of interparticle distance, obtained from GISAXS, and of surface pressure, obtained from pendant drop tensiometry, we link the interfacial stress to the monolayer microstructure. The results indicate that, during adsorption, the nanoparticles form rafts that grow while the interparticle distance remains constant. For small-amplitude, slow compression of the monolayer, the evolution of the interparticle distance bears a signature of ligand rearrangements leading to a local decrease in thickness of the ligand brush. For large-amplitude compression, the surface pressure is found to be strongly dependent on the rate of compression. Two-dimensional Brownian dynamics simulations show that the rate-dependent features are not due to jamming of the monolayer, and suggest that they may be due to out-of-plane reorganization of the particles (for instance expulsion or buckling). The corresponding GISAXS patterns are also consistent with out-of-plane reorganization of the nanoparticles.

Thermomechanical Response of Self-Assembled Nanoparticle Membranes

Monolayers composed of colloidal nanoparticles, with a thickness of less than 10 nm, have remarkable mechanical moduli and can suspend over micrometer-sized holes to form free-standing membranes. In this paper, we discuss experiments and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations characterizing the thermomechanical properties of these self-assembled nanoparticle membranes. These membranes remain strong and resilient up to temperatures much higher than previous simulation predictions and exhibit an unexpected hysteretic behavior during the first heating-cooling cycle. We show this hysteretic behavior can be explained by an asymmetric ligand configuration from the self-assembly process and can be controlled by changing the ligand coverage or cross-linking the ligand molecules. Finally, we show the screening effect of water molecules on the ligand interactions can strongly affect the moduli and thermomechanical behavior.

The role of ligands in the mechanical properties of Langmuir nanoparticle films

Langmuir monolayers of ligand-capped inorganic nanoparticles exhibit rich morphologies under lateral compression such as wrinkling, folding, and multilayer nucleation. We demonstrate that the ligands play a crucial role in the mechanical properties of nanoparticle films by probing the morphology and anisotropic stress response during lateral compression of films with systematically varied ligand concentrations. Increasing the ligand concentration of the films past a threshold value inhibits monolayer wrinkling and folding in favor of multilayer formation, and sharply reduces the compressive and shear moduli. We attribute these drastic mechanical effects to modifications to the ligand interactions between adjacent particles as well as to two-dimensional crystalline structure changes occurring on the scale of tens of particles, as determined by transmission electron microscopy.

Programmable Bidirectional Folding of Metallic Thin Films for 3D Chiral Optical Antennas

3D structures with characteristic lengths ranging from nanometer to micrometer scale often exhibit extraordinary optical properties, and have been becoming an extensively explored field for building new generation nanophotonic devices. Albeit a few methods have been developed for fabricating 3D optical structures, constructing 3D structures with nanometer accuracy, diversified materials, and perfect morphology is an extremely challenging task. This study presents a general 3D nanofabrication technique, the focused ion beam stress induced deformation process, which allows a programmable and accurate bidirectional folding (-70°-+90°) of various metal and dielectric thin films. Using this method, 3D helical optical antennas with different handedness, improved surface smoothness, and tunable geometries are fabricated, and the strong optical rotation effects of single helical antennas are demonstrated.

Optimal Reactivity and Improved Self-Healing Capability of Structurally Dynamic Polymers Grafted on Janus Nanoparticles Governed by Chain Stiffness and Spatial Organization

Structurally dynamic polymers are recognized as a key potential to revolutionize technologies ranging from design of self-healing materials to numerous biomedical applications. Despite intense research in this area, optimizing reactivity and thereby improving self-healing ability at the most fundamental level pose urgent issue for wider applications of such emerging materials. Here, the authors report the first mechanistic investigation of the fundamental principle for the dependence of reactivity and self-healing capabilities on the properties inherent to dynamic polymers by combining large-scale computer simulation, theoretical analysis, and experimental discussion. The results allow to reveal how chain stiffness and spatial organization regulate reactivity of dynamic polymers grafted on Janus nanoparticles and mechanically mediated reaction in their reverse chemistry, and, particularly, identify that semiflexible dynamic polymers possess the optimal reactivity and self-healing ability. The authors also develop an analytical model of blob theory of polymer chains to complement the simulation results and reveal essential scaling laws for optimal reactivity. The findings offer new insights into the physical mechanism in various systems involving reverse/dynamic chemistry. These studies highlight molecular engineering of polymer architecture and intrinsic property as a versatile strategy in control over the structural responses and functionalities of emerging materials with optimized self-healing capabilities.

Tolerance to structural disorder and tunable mechanical behavior in self-assembled superlattices of polymer-grafted nanocrystals

Large, freestanding membranes with remarkably high elastic modulus (>10 GPa) have been fabricated through the self-assembly of ligand-stabilized inorganic nanocrystals, even though these nanocrystals are connected only by soft organic ligands (e.g., dodecanethiol or DNA) that are not cross-linked or entangled. Recent developments in the synthesis of polymer-grafted nanocrystals have greatly expanded the library of accessible superlattice architectures, which allows superlattice mechanical behavior to be linked to specific structural features. Here, colloidal self-assembly is used to organize polystyrene-grafted Au nanocrystals at a fluid interface to form ordered solids with sub-10-nm periodic features. Thin-film buckling and nanoindentation are used to evaluate the mechanical behavior of polymer-grafted nanocrystal superlattices while exploring the role of polymer structural conformation, nanocrystal packing, and superlattice dimensions. Superlattices containing 3-20 vol % Au are found to have an elastic modulus of ∼6-19 GPa, and hardness of ∼120-170 MPa. We find that rapidly self-assembled superlattices have the highest elastic modulus, despite containing significant structural defects. Polymer extension, interdigitation, and grafting density are determined to be critical parameters that govern superlattice elastic and plastic deformation.

Robust Gold Nanoparticle Sheets by Ligand Cross-Linking at the Air-Water Interface

We report the results of cross-linking of two-dimensional gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) assemblies at the air-water interface in situ. We introduce an aqueous soluble ruthenium benzylidene catalyst into the water subphase to generate a robust, elastic two-dimensional network of nanoparticles containing cyclic olefins in their ligand framework. The most striking feature of the cross-linked Au-NP assemblies is that the extended connectivity of the nanoparticles enables the film to preserve much of its integrity under compression and expansion, features that are absent in its non-cross-linked counterparts. The cross-linking process appears to "stitch" the nanoparticle crystalline domains together, allowing the cross-linked monolayers to behave like a piece of fabric under lateral compression.

Self-Assembly of Colloidal Nanocrystals: From Intricate Structures to Functional Materials

Chemical methods developed over the past two decades enable preparation of colloidal nanocrystals with uniform size and shape. These Brownian objects readily order into superlattices. Recently, the range of accessible inorganic cores and tunable surface chemistries dramatically increased, expanding the set of nanocrystal arrangements experimentally attainable. In this review, we discuss efforts to create next-generation materials via bottom-up organization of nanocrystals with preprogrammed functionality and self-assembly instructions. This process is often driven by both interparticle interactions and the influence of the assembly environment. The introduction provides the reader with a practical overview of nanocrystal synthesis, self-assembly, and superlattice characterization. We then summarize the theory of nanocrystal interactions and examine fundamental principles governing nanocrystal self-assembly from hard and soft particle perspectives borrowed from the comparatively established fields of micrometer colloids and block copolymer assembly. We outline the extensive catalog of superlattices prepared to date using hydrocarbon-capped nanocrystals with spherical, polyhedral, rod, plate, and branched inorganic core shapes, as well as those obtained by mixing combinations thereof. We also provide an overview of structural defects in nanocrystal superlattices. We then explore the unique possibilities offered by leveraging nontraditional surface chemistries and assembly environments to control superlattice structure and produce nonbulk assemblies. We end with a discussion of the unique optical, magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties of ordered nanocrystal superlattices, and the coming advances required to make use of this new class of solids.

Nanomanipulation and controlled self-assembly of metal nanoparticles and nanocrystals for plasmonics

Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) associated with metallic nanostructures offer unique possibilities for light concentration beyond the diffraction limit, which can lead to strong field confinement and enhancement in deep subwavelength regions. In recent years, many transformative plasmonic applications have emerged, taking advantage of the spectral and spatial tunability of LSPRs enabled by near-field coupling between constituent metallic nanostructures in a variety of plasmonic metastructures (dimers, metamolecules, metasurfaces, metamaterials, etc.). For example, the "hot spot" formed at the interstitial site (gap) between two coupled metallic nanostructures in a plasmonic dimer can be spectrally tuned via the gap size. Capitalizing on these capabilities, there have been significant advances in plasmon enhanced or enabled applications in light-based science and technology, including ultrahigh-sensitivity spectroscopies, light energy harvesting, photocatalysis, biomedical imaging and theranostics, optical sensing, nonlinear optics, ultrahigh-density data storage, as well as plasmonic metamaterials and metasurfaces exhibiting unusual linear and nonlinear optical properties. In this review, we present two complementary approaches for fabricating plasmonic metastructures. We discuss how meta-atoms can be assembled into unique plasmonic metastructures using a variety of nanomanipulation methods based on single- or multiple-probes in an atomic force microscope (AFM) or a scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical tweezers, and focused electron-beam nanomanipulation. We also provide a few examples of nanoparticle metamolecules with designed properties realized in such well-controlled plasmonic metastructures. For the spatial controllability on the mesoscopic and macroscopic scales, we show that controlled self-assembly is the method of choice to realize scalable two-dimensional, and three-dimensional plasmonic metastructures. In the section of applications, we discuss some key examples of plasmonic applications based on individual hot spots or ensembles of hot spots with high uniformity and improved controllability.

Self-assembly of large-scale crack-free gold nanoparticle films using a 'drain-to-deposit' strategy

Gold nanoparticles are widely studied due to the ease of controlled synthesis, facile surface modification, and interesting physical properties. However, a technique for depositing large-area, crack-free monolayers on solid substrates is lacking. Herein is presented a method for accomplishing this. Spherical gold nanoparticles were synthesized as an aqueous dispersion. Assembly into monolayers and ligand exchange occurred simultaneously at an organic/aqueous interface. Then the monolayer film was deposited onto arbitrary solid substrates by slowly pumping out the lower, aqueous phase. This allowed the monolayer film (and liquid-liquid interface) to descend without significant disturbance, eventually reaching substrates contained in the aqueous phase. The resulting macroscopic quality of the films was found to be superior to films transferred by Langmuir techniques. The surface plasmon resonance and Raman enhancement of the films were evaluated and found to be uniform across the surface of each film.

Electron-beam induced synthesis of nanostructures: a review

As the success of nanostructures grows in modern society so does the importance of our ability to control their synthesis in precise manners, often with atomic precision as this can directly affect the final properties of the nanostructures. Hence it is crucial to have both deep insight, ideally with real-time temporal resolution, and precise control during the fabrication of nanomaterials. Transmission electron microscopy offers these attributes potentially providing atomic resolution with near real time temporal resolution. In addition, one can fabricate nanostructures in situ in a TEM. This can be achieved with the use of environmental electron microscopes and/or specialized specimen holders. A rather simpler and rapidly growing approach is to take advantage of the imaging electron beam as a tool for in situ reactions. This is possible because there is a wealth of electron specimen interactions, which, when implemented under controlled conditions, enable different approaches to fabricate nanostructures. Moreover, when using the electron beam to drive reactions no specialized specimen holders or peripheral equipment is required. This review is dedicated to explore the body of work available on electron-beam induced synthesis techniques with in situ capabilities. Particular emphasis is placed on the electron beam-induced synthesis of nanostructures conducted inside a TEM, viz. the e-beam is the sole (or primary) agent triggering and driving the synthesis process.

Small Angle X-ray Scattering for Nanoparticle Research

X-ray scattering is a structural characterization tool that has impacted diverse fields of study. It is unique in its ability to examine materials in real time and under realistic sample environments, enabling researchers to understand morphology at nanometer and angstrom length scales using complementary small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS), respectively. Herein, we focus on the use of SAXS to examine nanoscale particulate systems. We provide a theoretical foundation for X-ray scattering, considering both form factor and structure factor, as well as the use of correlation functions, which may be used to determine a particle's size, size distribution, shape, and organization into hierarchical structures. The theory is expanded upon with contemporary use cases. Both transmission and reflection (grazing incidence) geometries are addressed, as well as the combination of SAXS with other X-ray and non-X-ray characterization tools. We conclude with an examination of several key areas of research where X-ray scattering has played a pivotal role, including in situ nanoparticle synthesis, nanoparticle assembly, and operando studies of catalysts and energy storage materials. Throughout this review we highlight the unique capabilities of X-ray scattering for structural characterization of materials in their native environment.

Janus gold nanoparticles obtained via spontaneous binary polymer shell segregation

Janus gold nanoparticles are of high interest because they allow directed self-assembly and display plasmonic properties. We succeeded in coating gold nanoparticles with two different polymers that form a Janus shell. The spontaneous segregation of two immiscible polymers at the surface of the nanoparticles was verified by NOESY NMR and most importantly by electron microscopy analysis in two and three dimensions. The Janus structure is additionally shown to affect the aggregation behavior of the nanoparticles.

Two-Dimensional Bipyramid Plasmonic Nanoparticle Liquid Crystalline Superstructure with Four Distinct Orientational Packing Orders

Anisotropic plasmonic nanoparticles have been successfully used as constituent elements for growing ordered nanoparticle arrays. However, orientational control over their spatial ordering remains challenging. Here, we report on a self-assembled two-dimensional (2D) nanoparticle liquid crystalline superstructure (NLCS) from bipyramid gold nanoparticles (BNPs), which showed four distinct orientational packing orders, corresponding to horizontal alignment (H-NLCS), circular arrangement (C-NLCS), slanted alignment (S-NLCS), and vertical alignment (V-NLCS) of constituent particle building elements. These packing orders are characteristic of the unique shape of BNPs because all four packing modes were observed for particles with various sizes. Nevertheless, only H-NLCS and V-NLCS packing orders were observed for the free-standing ordered array nanosheets formed from a drying-mediated self-assembly at the air/water interface of a sessile droplet. This is due to strong surface tension and the absence of particle-substrate interaction. In addition, we found the collective plasmonic coupling properties mainly depend on the packing type, and characteristic coupling peak locations depend on particle sizes. Interestingly, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancements were heavily dependent on the orientational packing ordering. In particular, V-NLCS showed the highest Raman enhancement factor, which was about 77-fold greater than the H-NLCS and about 19-fold greater than C-NLCS. The results presented here reveal the nature and significance of orientational ordering in controlling plasmonic coupling and SERS enhancements of ordered plasmonic nanoparticle arrays.

Strong Resistance to Bending Observed for Nanoparticle Membranes

We demonstrate how gold nanoparticle monolayers can be curled up into hollow scrolls that make it possible to extract both bending and stretching moduli from indentation by atomic force microscopy. We find a bending modulus that is 2 orders of magnitude larger than predicted by standard continuum elasticity, an enhancement we associate with nonlocal microstructural constraints. This finding opens up new opportunities for independent control of resistance to bending and stretching at the nanoscale.

Highlights of the Faraday Discussion on Nanoparticle Synthesis and Assembly, Argonne, USA, April 2015

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