Synthetic Deconvolution of Interfaces and Materials Components in Hybrid Nanoparticles

Abstract

Interfaces between nanoscale solids can facilitate coupling between dissimilar materials, leading to emergent and synergistic properties as well as mix-and-match multifunctionality. Seeded-growth methods, whereby one material is grown directly off of the surface of another, can lead to the formation of hybrid nanoparticles containing such solid-state heterojunctions. Successfully applying seeded-growth methods to the synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles, however, requires a precise balance of competing reaction variables, which limits the scope of materials that can be routinely incorporated into them and, accordingly, the types of achievable interfaces. Here, we describe an alternate pathway that overcomes key limitations of seeded-growth methods by synthetically deconvoluting the formation of particle–particle interfaces and the incorporation of desired materials components. Readily accessible hybrid nanoparticles can be rationally modified using sequential anion and cation exchange reactions which transfo...