Chemistry Weekly Seminar - Dr. Vicki Meli
Dr. Vicki Meli, of Mount Allison University, will present a seminar at 4:00 p.m. in Thorvaldson 271.
Title:
Nanoparticle films formed at interfaces & the search for the unholey grail
Abstract:
Self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) into films and other superstructures requires the ability to correct defects and access the most stable lattice configuration. Assuming that tuning the strength of nanoparticle-interface vs. nanoparticle-nanoparticle interactions can enable defect-correction, we have explored the assembly of gold nanoparticles at a variety of oil-aqueous interfaces. In this presentation, insights revealed en route to this “unholey grail” will be discussed: in particular, the importance of ligand phase in determining NP-NP interactions, film mechanical properties, and NP-solvent mixing [1]. Recent progress toward reversible self-assembly and defect-reduced NP films, obtained by reduction of the hydrophobic effect at the aqueous subphase, will also be described.
[1] Meli and coworkers: a) J. Phys. Chem. C 2018, 122, 2975. b) ACS Omega 2017, 2, 4411.