Publication Date:
2012-04-17
Description:
An inverse emulsion technique which allows the anisotropic growth of a broad variety of inorganic nanoparticles, together with an efficient hydrophobization, is described. This method is based upon the combined use of amphiphilic copolymers, which act as emulsifiers as well as compatibilizers, and structure-directing agents that control the crystallization of the inorganic nanoparticles. As a consequence, water-soluble, structure-directing agents can now be applied for the synthesis of hydrophobic, shape-anisotropic nanocrystals. More precisely, spherical, rod-like, and branched CdS as well as Au nanoparticles were prepared. Due to their excellent hydrophobization, these particles were homogeneously incorporated into a poly(2-ethylhexyl methacrylate) matrix. Their shape-dependent properties were transferred to nanocomposites as demonstrated for branched CdS nanocrystals. In comparison to more traditional materials composed of branched CdS nanoparticles, which are stabilized by low molecular weight amphiphiles, our composites show much less scattering. This is due to the homogenous distribution of the nanoparticles in the matrix. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2634-x Authors Christian Geidel, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany Markus Klapper, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany Klaus Müllen, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X
Print ISSN:
0303-402X
Electronic ISSN:
1435-1536
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
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Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
