Superparamagnetic Ironoxide Nanoparticles via Ligand Exchange Reactions: Organic 1,2-Diols as Versatile Building Blocks for Surface Engineering

A method for the preparation of ligand-covered superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles via exchange reactions is described. 1,2-diol-ligands are used to provide a stable binding of the terminally modified organic ligands onto the surface of γ-Fe2O3-nanoparticles (r∼4 nm). The 1,2-diol-ligands are equipped with variable terminal functional groups (i.e., hydrogen bonding moieties, azido- bromo-, fluorescent moieties) and can be easily prepared via osmium tetroxide-catalyzed 1,2-dihydroxylation reactions of the corresponding terminal alkenes. Starting from octylamine-covered γ-Fe2O3-nanoparticles, ligand exchange was effected at 50∘C over 24–48 hours, whereupon complete ligand exchange is taking place as proven by thermogravimetric (TGA)- and IR-spectroscopic measurements. A detailed kinetic analysis of the ligand exchange reaction was performed via TGA analysis, demonstrating a complete ligand exchange after 24 hours. The method offers a simple approach for the generation of various γ-Fe2O3-nanoparticles with functional organic shells in a one-step procedure

Reversible and Irreversible Binding of Nanoparticles to Polymeric Surfaces

Reversible and irreversible binding of CdSe-nanoparticles and nanorods to polymeric surfaces via a strong, multiple hydrogen bond (= Hamilton-receptor/barbituric acid) is described. Based on ROMP-copolymers, the supramolecular interaction on a thin polymer film is controlled by living polymerization methods, attaching the Hamilton-receptor in various architectures, and concentrations. Strong binding is observed with CdSe-nanoparticles and CdSe-nanorods, whose surfaces are equipped with matching barbituric acid-moieties. Addition of polar solvents, able to break the hydrogen bonds leads to the detachment of the nanoparticles from the polymeric film. Irreversible binding is observed if an azide/alkine-“click”-reaction is conducted after supramolecular recognition of the nanoparticles on the polymeric surface. Thus reversible or irreversible attachment of the nanosized objects can be achieved