title: Ultrathin cross-linked nanoparticle membranes.
abstract: The fabrication of functional nanostructured materials for sensing, encapsulation and delivery requires practical approaches to self-assembly on multiple length scales and the synthesis of tough yet permeable structures. Here, the self-assembly of functionalized, photoluminescent nanoparticles at liquid interfaces, followed by cross-linking of the associated ligands, affords robust membranes that maintain their integrity even when they are removed from the interface. These composite membranes, nanometers in thickness, are elastic yet permeable and have potential applications involving controlled permeability and diffusion. Cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles are used, since their inherent photoluminescence offers a direct way to probe the spatial organization of the particles. Functionalized ligands attached to the nanoparticles provide an effective means to stabilize the interfacial assembly by cross-linking. The concepts shown are adaptable to other type of nanoparticles, ligands, and solvent combinations.
authors.affiliation: Polymer Science & Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
authors.forename: Yao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Habib
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Skaff
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Böker
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Dinsmore
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Emrick
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D008567:Membranes, Artificial