Diversified nanoparticle assembly pathways: Materials architecture control beyond the amphiphilicity paradigm

Abstract

The functional versatility of a chemical system is ultimately dictated by the availability of distinctly accessible architectures. The generation of a diverse array of assembled constructs from a single type of nanoscale building block is a promising yet largely elusive goal. We report herein the utility of a monolayer-modified nanoparticle for the creation of a broad range of architectures. The versatile modes of assembly complement the conventionally used, amphiphilicity-driven strategy. We demonstrate that one can vary the nanoparticle assembly pathways within the confines of solvent media through the modulation of interactions and partitioning of nanoparticles. Merging of the molecular-scale design and higher-ordered arrangement enables diversified assembly through the manipulation of experimental parameters such as solvent, pH, affinity molecule, and temperature. Microfluidics provides an effective channel to control the monodispersity and size on all the architectures attainable in the bulk solution phase. These observations could be further explored for an understanding of diversified matter organization and order generation beyond the amphiphilicity paradigm. © 2011 American Chemical Society.