Colloidal Hybrid Nanoparticle Insertion Reaction for Transforming Heterodimers into Heterotrimers

Carlos G. Read, Thomas R. Gordon, James M. Hodges, Raymond E. Schaak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three-component colloidal hybrid nanoparticles, which are central to a diverse array of applications, are typically synthesized using successive seeded growth steps, which are additive in nature and driven by surface chemistry considerations and material-specific preferences for nucleation and growth. Here, we describe a new nanoparticle insertion reaction for transforming heterodimers into heterotrimers, which is based on a supersaturation-precipitation pathway that shifts the driving force for heterotrimer formation away from surface-driven nucleation and growth. To demonstrate the concept, a Ge segment is inserted between the Au and Fe3O4 domains of Au-Fe3O4 heterodimers to form Au-Ge-Fe3O4 heterotrimers. Microscopic investigations reveal important mechanistic insights, including identification of a proposed Au-Ge-Au-Fe3O4 intermediate. The process can be modified to access the analogous addition product Ge-Au-Fe3O4, allowing tuning between two distinct heterotrimer isomers with different configurations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12514-12517
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume137
Issue number39
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 7 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Colloidal Hybrid Nanoparticle Insertion Reaction for Transforming Heterodimers into Heterotrimers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this