Ligand Engineering of Polymer Nanocomposites: From the Simple to the Complex

Abstract

One key to optimizing the performance of polymer nanocomposites for high-tech applications is surface ligand engineering of the nanofiller, which has been used to either tune the nanofiller morphology or introduce additional functionalities. Ligand engineering can be relatively simple such as a single population of short molecules on the nanoparticle surface designed for matrix compatibility. It can also have complexity that includes bimodal (or multimodal) populations of ligands that enable relatively independent control of enthalpic and entropic interactions between the nanofiller and matrix as well as introduce additional functionality and dynamic control. In this Spotlight on Applications, we provide a brief review into the use of brush ligands to tune the thermodynamic interactions between nanofiller and matrix and then focus on the potential for surface ligand engineering to create exciting nanocomposites properties for optoelectronic and dielectric applications.

Inorganic nanoparticles engineered to attack bacteria

“…[93][94][95][96] In the biomedical field, surface functionalization plays a critical role in tailoring the properties of nanoparticles for enhanced binding capabilities for therapeutic delivery, 97 selective recognition within biological systems, 98 and improved cellular internalization. [93][94][95][96] In the biomedical field, surface functionalization plays a critical role in tailoring the properties of nanoparticles for enhanced binding capabilities for therapeutic delivery, 97 selective recognition within biological systems, 98 and improved cellular internalization.…”

Rational design of nanoparticle/monomer interfaces: a combined computational and experimental study of in situ polymerization of silica based nanocomposites

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