Ligand ‐Directed Shape Reconfiguration in Inorganic Materials

Shape-changing nanoparticles are synthesized using an asymmetrical surface functionalization method. Contrary to the prevalent view of inorganic clays as inflexible, it is found that the halloysite particles can reversibly switch their shape state upon altering ligand-driven chemistry, resulting from the unbalanced structural hindrance on the particle surface. AbstractPolymer elastomers with reversible shape-changing capability have led to significant development of artificial muscles, functional devices, and soft robots. By contrast, reversible shape transformation of inorganic nanoparticles is notoriously challenging due to their relatively rigid lattice structure. Here, the authors demonstrate the synthesis of shape-changing nanoparticles via an asymmetrical surface functionalization process. Various ligands are investigated, revealing the essential role of steric hindrance from the functional groups. By controlling the unbalanced structural hindrance on the surface, the as-prepared clay nanoparticles can transform their shape in a fast, facile, and reversible manner. In addition, such flexible morphology-controlled mechanism provides a platform for developing self-propelled shape-shifting nanocollectors. Owing to the ion-exchanging capability of clay, these self-propelled nanoswimmers (NS) are able to autonomously adsorb rare earth elements with ultralow concentration, indicating the feasibility of using naturally occurring materials for self-powered nanomachine.

Source: Small - September 20, 2023 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Nishat Paul, Lecheng Zhang, Shijun Lei, Dali Huang, Ling Wang, Zhengdong Cheng, Minxiang Zeng Tags: Research Article Source Type: research