Fabrication of multi-component nanomaterials in colloidal solution

Abstract

This thesis focused on the fabrication of multi-component nanomaterials in colloidal solution. The optical properties of these novel structures also have been studied. Multi-component nanostructures usually have abundant structural variety. They can provide not only the properties of each individual, but also the new feature originated from the interaction of them. Therefore, insight into the multi-component system may offer new synthetic strategies and novel architectures, satisfying the requirement of future nanodevices. Two strategies have been adopted for the fabrication of multi-component nanomaterials in this dissertation: rational assembly of nano-objects; direct synthesis based on wet chemistry.

We demonstrate a complete nanoreaction system whereby colloidal nanoparticles are rationally assembled and purified (Chapter 2). Two types of functionalized gold nanoparticles (A and B) are bonded to give specific products AB, AB2, AB3 and AB4. The stoichiometry control is realized by fine-tuning the charge repulsion among the B’s. The products are protected by polymer, which allowed their isolation in high purity. With the concrete integration of hetero-assembly, stoichiometry control, protection scheme, and separation method, we attempt to create a scalable means to fabricate sophisticated nanostructures. By using this strategy, many nanostructures,which cannot be obtained through the routine method, also have been fabricated.