1 research outputs found
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 <i>in situ</i> transformation of nanoparticle building
blocks can even be achieved in a free-standing two-dimensional system
and three-dimensional origami. The success in such <i>in situ</i> 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