Self-assembly of nanoparticles has become an increasingly attractive method for developing nanoscale optical, electronic, and magnetic devices. Whether through spontaneous or directed self-assembly, nanoparticles form secondary architectures with properties dictated by their individual building blocks, as well as their spatial arrangement. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are ideal candidates for self-assembly studies due to their chemical stability, easily functionalized surface, and tunability throughout the visible and near-infrared region of the spectrum as a function of nanoparticle size, shape, aggregation state, and local environment. For this study, AuNRs of various aspect ratios (1-5) were synthesized via the �seed-mediated� surfactant-driven approach in aqueous media. The work presented here demonstrates the self-assembly of these AuNRs on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through intrinsic electrostatic interactions or covalent linkers. All nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), particle size distribution by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (effective surface charge) analysis and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Further self-assembly of these materials was also examined in the presence of an electric field in various media where current flow can be detected across the self-assembled nanoparticle bridge. This combination of chemically-assisted and field-induced self-assembly provides a complex yet highly tunable method for the further development and application of this process.

Self-assembly of nanoparticles: 

Chemically-assisted and electric field-induced approaches

241st National Meeting (2011)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Self-assembly of nanoparticles: Chemically-assisted and electric field-induced approaches