Light-controlled self-assembly of reversible and irreversible nanoparticle suprastructures

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Jun 19;104(25):10305-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0611371104. Epub 2007 Jun 11.

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with ligands combining photoswitchable dipoles and covalent cross-linkers can be assembled by light into organized, three-dimensional suprastructures of various types and sizes. NPs covered with only few photoactive ligands form metastable crystals that can be assembled and disassembled "on demand" by using light of different wavelengths. For higher surface concentrations, self-assembly is irreversible, and the NPs organize into permanently cross-linked structures including robust supracrystals and plastic spherical aggregates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Azo Compounds / chemistry
  • Crystallization
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Isomerism
  • Ligands
  • Light*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / radiation effects
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / radiation effects
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Particle Size
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Azo Compounds
  • Ligands
  • Gold
  • azobenzene