Polyelectrolytes: Influence on Evaporative Self-Assembly of Particles and Assembly of Multilayers with Polymers, Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Assembling polyelectrolyte multilayers in a bottom-up approach is reported for polymers, particles, nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes. Effects of polyelectrolyte multilayers on evaporative self-assembly of particles, which are of interest to a number of applications including photonic crystals, films and substrates, are investigated. Polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings bring multifunctionality to spherical particles and planar films. Studying the construction of polyelectrolyte assemblies is convenient in the planar layout: it is reported here for incorporation of gold and magnetic nanoparticles as well as of carbon nanotubes. Gold nanoparticles concentration is controlled within the films. Potential applications of both spherical structures and planar films are highlighted.

pH-Controlled fluorescence switching in water-dispersed polymer brushes grafted to modified boron nitride nanotubes for cellular imaging

“…In recent years, considerable effort has been devoted to the development of hybrid nanomaterials [1][2][3][4][5] to generate novel structures with tunable properties through external stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, and magnetic field [6][7][8][9][10]. Among other nanomaterials, significant research effort has been dedicated to the use of nanotubes [1][2][3][4]6,7,[11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Composite Magnetite and Protein Containing CaCO3 Crystals. External Manipulation and Vaterite → Calcite Recrystallization-Mediated Release Performance

“…A variety of new methods to fabricate nanoparticles, , multifunctional microcapsules, − and low-dimensional patterned structures − have been proposed. In recent years, calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) vaterite polycrystals are classified as advanced materials for biomedical and sensor applications due to their highly porous nature. − For encapsulation of (bio)­active molecules based on vaterite templating, see the following works and reviews. − Together with biocompatibility, it stimulates the use of the crystals as a perfect system for encapsulation of molecules with low molecular weight, like photosensitizers, doxorubicin, as well as with high molecular weight, for example, dextran, , alginate, catalase, bovine serum albumin, , and insulin. ,, Integration of molecules of interest and functional materials such as nanoparticles (silver, magnetite , ) and nanotubes (halloysite, carbon) into the CaCO 3 crystals can be performed at mild conditions during the crystal growth (so-called coprecipitation) , as well as using the prepared crystals (filling of the mesopores by adsorption, solvent evaporation). ,, Moreover, layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly can be additionally applied to modify the surface of mesoporous calcium carbonate crystals with a multilayer shell consisting of macromolecules and/or functional compounds. ,,,− Functionalization of CaCO 3 vaterite (the internal structure or/and the surface of polycrystal) with inorganic nanoparticles makes them an effective platform for surface enhanced Raman microscopy, , sensitive to external stimuli such as electrical and magnetic fields, and light irradiation. ,,, This opens new ways to manipulate/navigate with polycrystals and polymer capsules assembled on them (calcium carbonate can be easily dissolved at acidic pH), , …”

Interparticle Spacing Effect among Quantum Dots with High-Pressure Regulation

“…With the development of preparation methods, the research of nanomaterials has entered the third generation, quantum dot solids (QDSs), in which QDs are close packed with long-range order by various methods, such as lithography, solvent evaporation and surface treatment [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, the investigations on the interaction among the building units, which are the QDs, are increasing.…”