Self-assembly of nanoparticle arrays for use as mirrors, sensors, and antennas.
The self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) at liquid-liquid interfaces (LLIs) has recently emerged as a promising platform for tunable optical devices, sensors, and catalysis. There are numerous advantages for such platforms when compared to more conventional solid-state counterparts. For example, they do not need engineering, self-assemble if proper conditions are provided, are self-healing, are practically nondegrading, and are easily renewable. Furthermore, they have the added benefit of being able to facilitate the interactions of analytes dissolved in often-inaccessible environments. In this Perspective, we highlight some important recent developments in understanding the mechanisms and applications of self-assembly of NPs at LLIs for use as mirrors and sensors. Finally, we explore future directions in this field, focusing on NP arrays with electrotunable properties assembled at a LLI, which has been one of the driving forces for developing such technologies.
Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London , South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
Joshua B
JB
Edel
Alexei A
AA
Kornyshev
Michael
M
Urbakh
D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D004573:Electrolytes; D004867:Equipment Design; D008422:Materials Testing; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties
D004573:Electrolytes