Multicomponent colloidal nanostructures (MCNs) naturally integrate two or more different materials (for example, metals, oxides and semiconductors) into one system with nanoscale domains. These MCNs inherit the intrinsic properties of each constituent component, which makes them multifunctional. Furthermore, new physical and chemical properties that are different from any of the single component alone may arise from the synergetic effect of the multiple directly contacted (or closely placed) disparate components. The spatial distribution of dissimilar components within individual MCNs is crucial in defining the properties and hence emerging applications of these MCNs in such as catalysis, solar energy harvesting, nanoelectronics, biomedicines. Despite recent progress at this frontier, there remain significant challenges in the synthesis of MCNs with high-order complexity. Here we show the development of a general yet scalable approach for the rational design and synthesis of MCNs with unique coaxial-like construction. The site-preferential growth in this synthesis relies on the selective protection of seed nanoparticle surfaces with locally defined domains of collapsed polymers. By using this approach, we produce a gallery of coaxial-like MCNs comprising a shaped Au core surrounded by a tubular metal or metal oxide shell. The essential role of collapsed polymers in achieving anisotropic growth makes our approach fundamentally distinct from others. We further demonstrate that this coaxial-like construction can lead to excellent photocatalytic performance over conventional core–shell-type MCNs. More interestingly, selective removal Au core from bimetallic coaxial nanorods can lead to sub-50 nm metallic nanotubes or nanorings with controlled diameter and wall thickness.  The nanotubes (e.g, Pt) with ultrathin side walls showed superior catalytic performance in oxygen reduction reaction.

Collapsed polymer-directed synthesis of inorganic nanostructures with complex geometries

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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