Supraparticles: Functionality from Uniform Structural Motifs

Abstract

Under the right process conditions, nanoparticles can cluster together to form defined, dispersed structures, which can be termed supraparticles. Controlling the size, shape, and morphology of such entities is a central step in various fields of science and technology, ranging from colloid chemistry and soft matter physics to powder technology and pharmaceutical and food sciences. These diverse scientific communities have been investigating formation processes and structure/property relations of such supraparticles under completely different boundary conditions. On the fundamental side, the field is driven by the desire to gain maximum control of the assembly structures using very defined and tailored colloidal building blocks, whereas more applied disciplines focus on optimizing the functional properties from rather ill-defined starting materials. With this review article, we aim to provide a connecting perspective by outlining fundamental principles that govern the formation and functionality of supraparticles. We discuss the formation of supraparticles as a result of colloidal properties interplaying with external process parameters. We then outline how the structure of the supraparticles gives rise to diverse functional properties. They can be a result of the structure itself (emergent properties), of the colocalization of different, functional building blocks, or of coupling between individual particles in close proximity. Taken together, we aim to establish structure-property and process-structure relationships that provide unifying guidelines for the rational design of functional supraparticles with optimized properties. Finally, we aspire to connect the different disciplines by providing a categorized overview of the existing, diverging nomenclature of seemingly similar supraparticle structures.

Adsorber Particles with Magnetically‐Supported Improved Electrochemical Conversion Behavior for Waste Water Treatment Processes

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“…We propose here an update by reviewing the most significant works published these last eight years. The reader has to refer to our previous review to embrace the full story and/or to read other excellent recent reviews written by others and addressing the field from other angles …”

“…The readerh as to refer to our previousr eview [4] to embrace the full story and/or to read other excellent recentr eviews written by others and addressing the field from other angles. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]…”

Indicator Supraparticles for Smart Gasochromic Sensor Surfaces Reacting Ultrafast and Highly Sensitive

“…Supraparticles consisting of individual silica nanoparticles present a novel mesoporous sensor support. These micrometer sized hierarchical particles, which are assembled upon spray‐drying, have a raspberry‐like appearance .…”

“…Supraparticles consisting of individual silica nanoparticles present a novel mesoporous sensor support. These micrometer sized hierarchical particles, which are assembled upon spray‐drying, have a raspberry‐like appearance . The spray‐drying technique affords high flexibility in terms of building block selection (comparable to a toolbox), i.e., it is possible to readily select the primary particle size or to combine various sizes within one supraparticle.…”