Programmable self-assembly of polymer nanoparticles with surface topography into functional 2D/3D nanoparticle lattices

Basic data for this project

Description

This Emmy Noether project aims at bringing together concepts of block copolymer self-assembly, and supramolecular and supracolloidal chemistry to create porous functional nano-materials. Two main challenges are addressed: the predictive formation of polymer nanoparti-cles with geometric surface topography and their enhanced directional self-assembly into functional open nanoparticle lattices. Specially designed block copolymers with cleavable blocks will allow the combinatorial synthesis of polymer nanoparticles with accessible topography (surface beads or core cavities). The topographic features encoded on the nanoparticle surface will be quantified with advanced high-resolution analytic tools such as cryogenic transmission electron tomography. The geometric location of surface beads thereby controls the periodicity and sym-metry of the formed nanoparticle lattices. Nanoparticles with core cavities are suited for lock & key co-assembly with fitting nanoparticles (organic, inorganic, biological) for highest directionality and complexity. To improve our understanding of nanoparticle assembly, kinetics will be followed online with liquid cell TEM, an emerging technique to monitor processes in-operando. Finally, syn-thesis and understanding will be combined to approach the ultimate goal, the self-assembly of open nanoparticle lattices. These structures still pose formidable experimental challenges, but are expected to offer novel properties, e.g. the diamond cubic lattice for photonic applications, motivate new innovations, and stimulate theoretical considerations.