Abstract
Controlling superstructure of binary nanoparticle mixtures in three dimensions from self-assembly opens enormous opportunities for the design of materials with unique properties. Here we report on how the intimate coupling of synthesis, in-depth electron tomographic characterization and theory enables exquisite control of superstructure in highly ordered porous three-dimensional continuous networks from single and binary mixtures of metal nanoparticles with a triblock terpolymer. Poly(isoprene-block-styrene-block-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) is synthesized and used as structure-directing agent for ligand-stabilized platinum and gold nanoparticles. Quantitative analysis provides insights into short- and long-range nanoparticle-nanoparticle correlations, and local and global contributions to structural chirality in the networks. Results provide synthesis criteria for next-generation mesoporous network superstructures from binary nanoparticle mixtures for potential applications in areas including catalysis.
Highlights
Controlling superstructure of binary nanoparticle mixtures in three dimensions from selfassembly opens enormous opportunities for the design of materials with unique properties
Gyroid structures have been observed in low molar mass surfactant-water systems and block copolymers (BCPs) self-assembly[18,19] based on the minimal gyroid surface (Schoen’s G-surface, symmetry Ia3d)[20]
Structures in these systems usually consist of two intertwining gyroid subvolumes related by an inversion operation
Summary
Controlling superstructure of binary nanoparticle mixtures in three dimensions from selfassembly opens enormous opportunities for the design of materials with unique properties. We demonstrate how the combination of controlled NP synthesis, detailed structural analysis by transmission electron microtomography (TEMT)[15], energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and percolation theory, as well as comparison with a recently developed self-consistent field theory (SCFT)[16,17] enabled highly ordered and porous 3D network formation of single and binary metal NPs from triblock terpolymer self-assembly with particle locations that can be rationalized.
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