1,556 research outputs found
Binary superlattice design by controlling DNA-mediated interactions
Most binary superlattices created using DNA functionalization or other
approaches rely on particle size differences to achieve compositional order and
structural diversity. Here we study two-dimensional (2D) assembly of
DNA-functionalized micron-sized particles (DFPs), and employ a strategy that
leverages the tunable disparity in interparticle interactions, and thus
enthalpic driving forces, to open new avenues for design of binary
superlattices that do not rely on the ability to tune particle size (i.e.,
entropic driving forces). Our strategy employs tailored blends of complementary
strands of ssDNA to control interparticle interactions between micron-sized
silica particles in a binary mixture to create compositionally diverse 2D
lattices. We show that the particle arrangement can be further controlled by
changing the stoichiometry of the binary mixture in certain cases. With this
approach, we demonstrate the abil- ity to program the particle assembly into
square, pentagonal, and hexagonal lattices. In addition, different particle
types can be compositionally ordered in square checkerboard and hexagonal -
alternating string, honeycomb, and Kagome arrangements.Comment: 4 figures in the main text. 5 figures in the supplementary
informatio
Elaboration and characterization of nanoplate structured alpha-Fe2O3 films by Ag3PO4
A new strategy for surface treatment of hematite nanoplates for efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances is proposed. Silver orthophosphate (Ag₃PO₄) has been adopted to mediate the formation of α-Fe₂O₃ films. Phosphate ions in Ag₃PO₄ is found to cause a significant morphology change during annealing process, from β-FeOOH nanorod arrays to hematite nanoplates. Meanwhile, Ag ions is doped into α-Fe₂O₃ film. The obtained nanoplate structured Fe₂O₃ –Ag–P films demonstrate much higher photoelectrochemical performance as photoanodes than the bare Fe₂O₃ nanorod thin films. The effects of phosphate and silver ions on the morphology, surface characteristics and the PEC properties of the photoanodes are investigated
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