Self-assembly of CdTe nanocrystals into free-floating sheets.
In their physical dimensions, surface chemistry, and degree of anisotropic interactions in solution, CdTe nanoparticles are similar to proteins. We experimentally observed their spontaneous, template-free organization into free-floating particulate sheets, which resemble the assembly of surface layer (S-layer) proteins. Computer simulation and concurrent experiments demonstrated that the dipole moment, small positive charge, and directional hydrophobic attraction are the driving forces for the self-organization process. The data presented here highlight the analogy of the solution behavior of the two vastly different classes of chemical structures.
Tang
Zhiyong
Z
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136, USA.
Zhang
Zhenli
Z
Wang
Ying
Y
Glotzer
Sharon C
SC
Kotov
Nicholas A
NA