Efficient
preparation of multifunctional nano-objects with controlled
morphologies in one step at high concentrations is synthetically challenging,
yet is highly desirable, in a broad range of materials applications.
Herein, we address this synthetic hurdle by introducing a single commodity
monomer 2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (AEMA) to realize multiple
functions. Facile preparation of both nanospheres and vesicles via
polymerization induced self-assembly at concentrations of 20–30%
provided defined polymeric nanomaterials with reactive handles inherent
to the AEMA units. High-yielding keto-alkoxylamine chemistry was utilized
to decorate and cross-link the nano-objects. Nanoparticle loading
into the designated location within both nano-objects was exemplified
with in situ formation of silver nanoparticles. The concept of using
a single monomer capable of both morphology control and multifunctionalization
is expected to offer significant opportunities in functional nanomaterials.
Polycrystalline CeO2 nanorods 5-10 nm in diameter and 50-150 nm in length were synthesized via ultrasonication using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a structure-directing agent at room temperature. The properties of the CeO2 nanorods were characterized by TEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, FT-IR, TG, BET, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Various reaction parameters, such as the content of PEG, the molecular weight of PEG, the concentration of KOH, the pH value, and the sonication time, were investigated by a series of control experiments. The content of PEG, the molecular weight of PEG, and the sonication time were confirmed to be the crucial factors determining the formation of one-dimensional CeO2 nanorods. A possible ultrasonic formation mechanism has been suggested to explain the formation of CeO2 nanorods.
Pt nanoparticles were introduced on the surface of ZnO nanowires using a chemically driven self-assembly method. Through this controllable method, Pt-nanoparticle-functionalized ZnO nanowires (Pt NPs-ZnO NWs) with uniform particle dispersion, tunable Pt particle sizes, and narrow particle size distribution were obtained. Changes in the morphology of the decorative preparation were observed as the amount of linker reagent and the concentration of Pt nanoparticle solution were altered. The as-prepared Pt NPs-ZnO NWs with optimal morphology showed excellent gas sensing and photocatalytic performance. Tuning of the functionalities of photocatalytic and gas sensors can be obtained by tailoring the morphology of Pt NP-ZnO NW composite materials.
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