Titelbild: Binäre 3D‐Mesokristalle aus anisotropen Nanopartikeln (Angew. Chem. 2/2022)

Abstract

Binary mesocrystals offer the combination of nanocrystal properties in an ordered superstructure. Here, we demonstrate the simultaneous self-assembly of platinum and iron oxide nanocubes into micrometer-sized 3D mesocrystals using the gas-phase diffusion technique. By the addition of minor amounts of a secondary particle type tailored to nearly identical size, shape and surface chemistry, we were able to promote a random incorporation of foreign particles into a self-assembling host lattice. The random distribution of the binary particle types on the surface and within its bulk has been visualized using advanced transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The 20-40 mm sized binary mesocrystals have been further characterized through wide and small angle scattering techniques to reveal a long-range ordering on the atomic scale throughout the crystal while showing clear evidence that the material consists of individual building blocks. Through careful adjustments of the crystallization parameters, we could further obtain a reverse superstructure, where incorporated particles and host lattice switch roles.

Recent Advances in Functional Nanoparticle Assemblies

“…Adapted with permission. [ 102 ] Copyright 2021, The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.…”

“…They demonstrate that by a gas‐phase diffusion technique, it is possible to randomly incorporate platinum nanocubes into an iron oxide host lattice (Figure 6d). [ 102 ]…”

Computational assessment of the potential of cross-catalytic coprecipitating systems for the bottom-up design of nanocomposites

“…It usually requires separate steps and specialized devices. 3,7 Apart from some recent notable exceptions, such as the preparation of binary mesocrystals 19 and ternary metallic heterojunctions, 20 for most nanocomposites, the synthesis of the constituent phases and their assembly into the desired material are separate. The one-pot, one-step selforganization of molecular reactants into the nal material remains a critical challenge.…”