title: Self-assembly of CdTe nanocrystals into free-floating sheets.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136, USA.
authors.forename: Zhiyong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Zhenli
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Sharon C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Glotzer
authors.forename: Nicholas A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Kotov