Core-shell nanoparticle structure at liquid-liquid interfaces
Abstract
The extraordinary properties of inorganic nanoparticles are exploited in an increasing number of biotechnological applications, including biosensing, therapeutics and diagnostics. Nanoparticles can also be used as “additives” to improve the performance of existing matrix materials (e.g. thermal conductivity, mechanical stability or energy transfer), or to impart new functions to them (e.g. magnetic or triggered release). The ability to impart such improved functionality to a material is only present if the nanoparticle is given a protective shell with the right structure to let it retain its nanoscale properties within the material matrix. Advances in synthesis have made it possible to produce core-shell nanoparticles that function as building blocks to assemble completely new materials without dispersion in a matrix. In particular, NPs with their own soft polymeric matrix as shell around an inorganic core can guide the assembly of the building blocks into materials and provide additional functions designed on the molecular scale. We have developed new synthetic routes that enable us to make extremely monodisperse core-shell superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with stable and dense, but soft, polymer brush shells. These particles therefore as an ensemble have very monodisperse structural characteristics, which allows controlled nanoscale assembly related directly to the structural interactions of the particles. Our aim in the proposed project is the detailed investigation of the structure of solid core – polymer brush shell superparamagnetic nanoparticles, with the further aim of linking it to the assembly of such core-shell nanoparticles into responsive monolayer membranes at the liquid-liquid interface. Thus, we will develop property-structure-function relationships that make it possible to rationally design the self-assembly of membranes, the colloidal stabilization of oil-water droplet interfaces and the external actuation of such interfaces through temperature changes and magnetic fields. In essence our aim can be formulated as to improve the fundamental basis to control active nano-Pickering emulsions made possible by the shape-deformation of core-shell nanoparticles at liquid interfaces. The proposed research will create a new class of materials along with a method to fabricate them: ultra-thin, mechanically robust membranes built out of core-shell NPs. We expect these results to lead directly to applications in triggered release, drug delivery and filtration.
keywords nanoparticle liquid interface small angle scattering polymer brush shell colloidal self-assembly membrane
Publikationen
Project staff
Erik Reimhult
Univ.Prof. Dr. Erik Reimhult
erik.reimhult@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-80211
Project Leader
01.10.2015 - 31.12.2018
Helga Lichtenegger
Univ.Prof. Mag. Dr.rer.nat. Helga Lichtenegger
helga.lichtenegger@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-89211
Sub Projectleader
01.10.2015 - 31.12.2018