Amphiphilic Self-Assembly of Nanocrystals at Emulsion Interface Renders Fast and Scalable Quasi-Nanosheet Formation.

Abstract

Scalable assembly of nanocrystals (NCs) into two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets has aroused great interest, yet it remains under-explored. This is because current 2D assembly methods rely mainly on the use of solid- or liquid-air interfaces, which are inherently difficult for upscaling and thus lack practicability. Here, with a microemulsion-based amphiphilic assembly technique, we achieve a fast and scalable preparation of free-standing nanosheets comprising few-layer, tightly packed NCs, namely, quasi-nanosheets (quasi-NSs). Acetic acid, acting as both solvent and surface-treatment agent, is used to render the initially hydrophobic NCs amphiphilic, while simultaneously inducing the interfacial instability right after the assembly of NCs at the emulsion interface to afford quasi-NSs. This amphiphilic assembly method is applicable to a variety of NCs, and multicomponent quasi-NSs are also attainable upon coassembly of different types of NCs. In addition, the structural advantages of quasi-NSs in catalysis are showcased by using NiFe2O4 quasi-NSs as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. This work opens a new route for the scalable construction of 2D NC sheets with designated components and functions.