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Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Colloidal Molecules

Subject Area Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
Term from 2016 to 2020
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 332724669
 
Final Report Year 2021

Final Report Abstract

Most colloids are isotropic particles that assemble in regular crystal structures in solution and on surfaces. The general aim of this bilateral Sino-German collaboration was to develop innovative methods to prepare colloidal molecules, i.e. well-defined clusters of Janus or patchy colloidal particles, and to investigate the self-assembly of such colloidal molecules in solution and on surfaces. To this end, colloidal particles were modified with polymer brushes that direct the particle-particle interaction in solution. Using functional polymer brushes on model surfaces, it was found that highly selective and reversible interactions can be induced by phenyl boronic acids and catechols as well as by host and guest molecules embedded in the polymer brushes. In this way, we developed surprisingly strong yet reversible surface adhesives. The host-guest interactions were also highly effective in the assembly of silica particles under geometric constraints, leading to well-defined ABn colloidal molecules. In related subprojects, we prepared hybrid colloidal molecules based on silica microparticles and metal nanoparticles, and we developed a microfluidic strategy for the preparation of anisotropic colloidal molecules. Finally, we prepared versatile photonic spheres based on nanoparticle clusters. By modification with polymers and polymer brushes, these complex colloids were converted into compartmentalized nanoreactors for cascade reactions as well as selective sensors and nanoporous membranes.

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