Nanoparticle networks' design enhanced by theory

Nanoparticle networks' design enhanced by theory
A: A schematic of the block copolymer synthesis method which includes gold and platinum nanoparticle self-assembly. B. Molecular structure of the block copolymer used. C. Molecular structure of stabilizing ligands attached to gold and platinum. D. Size-exclusion chromatography data for different polymer synthesis steps. Credit: Wiesner group

For close to two decades, Cornell scientists have developed processes for using polymers to self-assemble inorganic nanoparticles into porous structures that could revolutionize electronics, energy and more.

This process has now been driven to an unprecedented level of precision using metal , and is supported by rigorous analysis of the theoretical details behind why and how these particles assemble with polymers. Such a deep understanding of the complex interplay between the chemistry and physics that drive complex self-assembly paves the way for these new materials to enter many applications, from electrocatalysis in fuel cells to voltage conductance in circuits.

Ulrich Wiesner, the Spencer T. Olin Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, led what is probably the most comprehensive study to date of block copolymer nanoparticle self-assembly processes. The study was published online Feb. 21 in Nature Communications.

From the outside, the process looks simple enough. Begin with platinum and gold particles that grow from a precursor. A chemical called a ligand coats the particles and precisely controls their size. Add to this designed molecules called block copolymers – long chains of two or three organic materials. The polymers combine with the platinum and gold nanoparticles, all of which assemble into ordered, cubic, three-dimensional structures. Etch away the polymer, and what's left are scores of nanoparticles forming porous 3-D cubic networks.

Nanoparticle networks' design enhanced by theory
Transmission electron microscopy shows metal nanoparticle networks following the removal of the copolymer that acted as a structural scaffold for the particles. Credit: Wiesner group

Each step – from the exact structure of the ligands, to the synthesis of the polymers – requires precise chemistry and detailed understanding of each material's role. The Nature Communications analysis drew on the expertise of collaborators in electron tomography, energy dispersive microscopy and percolation theory. For example, collaborators from the Japan Science and Technology Agency used electron tomography to map the location of every single particle in the samples, which then could be compared with theoretical predictions. The result is a comprehensive set of design criteria that could lead to readying these particle networks for larger scale solution processing.

"Not only can we make these materials, but through in particular, we can analyze these structures at a depth that just has not been done before," Wiesner said. "The comparison with theory allows us to fully understand the physical mechanisms by which these structures are formed."

Why pay such attention to these self-assembled nanoparticle networks? They're made in a way that would never happen in nature or by conventional laboratory means. They are uniformly porous with high surface area and, therefore, are highly catalytic and potentially useful for energy applications.

Perhaps best of all, working with polymers means cost-effective, large-scale processing could be a snap.

Nanoparticle networks' design enhanced by theory
Electron tomography reconstruction of platinum nanoparticles (red) in network structures, compared with self-consistent field theory results (blue). Credit: Wiesner group

Several decades of polymer science has given the world efficient scalability unsurpassed in the materials world – think plastics production. Wiesner and colleagues have proven the concept of self-assembled using block copolymer-based solution processing that goes beyond the "glass vial in a lab," Wiesner said.

"Now that we understand how it all works, our process lends itself easily to larger-scale production of such ," he said.

More information: "Linking experiment and theory for three-dimensional networked binary metal nanoparticle–triblock terpolymer superstructures." Zihui Li, et al. Nature Communications 5, Article number: 3247 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4247

Journal information: Science , Nature Communications

Provided by Cornell University

Citation: Nanoparticle networks' design enhanced by theory (2014, February 27) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2014-02-nanoparticle-networks-theory.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Versatile polymer film synthesis method invented

9 shares

Feedback to editors