title: Patchy particle self-assembly via metal coordination.
abstract: Colloids with high-symmetry patches are functionalized with metal-coordination-based recognition units and assembled into larger chain architectures, demonstrating for the first time the use of metal coordination as a specific force in colloidal self-assembly. The cross-linked poly(styrene)-based patchy particles are fabricated by encapsulation of colloidal clusters following a two-stage swelling and polymerization methodology. The particle patches, containing carboxylic acid groups, are site-specifically functionalized either with a triblock copolymer (TBC), bearing primary alcohols, alkyl chains, and palladated pincer receptors, synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization, or with a small molecule bearing a pyridine headgroup. Functionalizing with a TBC provides design flexibility for independently setting the range of the interaction and the recognition motif.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Design Institute and Department of Chemistry, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States.
authors.forename: Yufeng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Hollingsworth
authors.forename: Si Kyung
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Sonal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Pine
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weck