Covalent functionalization of nanocrystals and their self-assembly

PMSE 105

Eugene R. Zubarev, EZ@rice.edu, Bishnu P. Khanal, khanal@rice.edu, and Jacob D. Gibson. Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005
Synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials remains a challenge. The covalent functionalization of nanocrystals with polymer chains can in principle offer a greater solution stability and processability of the nanostructures. In addition, the presence of a polymer shell can trigger the self-organization of nanocrystals both in solution and in the solid state. Here we describe the covalent attachment of polymeric molecules to the surface of gold nanorods and their self-assembly upon drying on solid substrates. Ring-like superstructures were found to form spontaneously from volatile organic solvents.