NANODIRECT

Toolbox for Directed and Controlled Self-Assembly of nano-Colloids

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The proposed research aims at developing a toolbox for direct self-assembly of nano-colloids. Different methods to drive and modulate self-assembly in nano-colloids will be developed, compared and evaluated. The toolbox will consist of the following elements : (i) Building blocks: model particles with varying shape, functionality and directional interactions will be synthesized (ii) Directing Tools : Electric and Flow fields, surfaces and interfaces (iii) Test and development methods : Experimental platforms adapted at nano-particle research and simulations methods, capable of dealing with a range of length scales. The proposal specifically aims to study these methods which are prone to scale-up The research consortium consists of leading groups in the filed of colloid science and engineering and soft matter research. The seeds of this toolbox are clearly present in the consortium including methods for production of model (field responsive) nanoparticles, unique experimental tools, theoretical skills and mesoscale simulation methods. The key idea is to gradually evolve in the research to be able to deal with smaller length scales and a wider range of directing fields .'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded scientists are developing design tools to help materials engineers make novel composites. Tailor-made functions for soft materials will soon be possible with cost- and energy-efficient controlled self-assembly.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Nanoparticles (NPs), materials on the scale of billionths of a metre, often have properties much different from those of the same material in bulk form. Their incorporation into composites is poised to revolutionise material design.

Self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) is an interesting phenomenon that, if suitably controlled, is making large-scale, cost-effective manufacture of tailor-made nano-based composites a real possibility. Scientists initiated the EU-funded project 'Toolbox for directed and controlled self-assembly of nano-colloids' (NANODIRECT) to help materials scientists and engineers do just that.

Gold and silver NPs are particularly interesting for their properties relating to light manipulation (plasmonic properties). Scientists have directed their self-assembly into hierarchical structures using a microscopic template with regular geometries and achieved excellent control over very specific optical responses. Gold nanorods formed end-to-end interactions and self-assembly into standing superlattices.

Rod-like virus particles have been chemically modified to control their properties, behaving like sticky rod-like colloids to study the effects of particle shape on gel properties. The modified viruses are now being used as model systems in soft condensed matter physics. Polymeric NPs with a dumbbell shape have also been synthesised and studied, and a simple yet versatile method for directed self-assembly of anisometric polymeric particles has been developed.

Scientists are studying the migration of NPs in visco-elastic matrices, as well as the effects of various directing tools. Electric fields have been particularly well characterised to date leading along the way to the development of novel experimental and theoretical tools. Assembly at liquid interfaces has been particularly promising for scale-up to industrial conditions. The scientists are also characterising the relationship of structure and chemistry with dispersion.

Given the need for exquisite control of self-assembly in order to tailor properties, NANODIRECT is complementing conventional chemical directing methods with the use of different fields and templating agents. Ultimately, scientists expect to deliver a novel toolbox to aid materials engineers in the design of nano-based colloidal composites with high impact in emerging applications, including plasmonics.