Surface Engineered Nanoparticles For Self-Assembly And Their Applications

Self-assembly of nanoparticles presents an excellent tool in the development of novel nanoscale structures and materials for creating high sensitive sensors, electronic and diagnostic devices, ultrahigh-density magnetic storage devices and many more. In these systems, the nanoparticle core imparts exceptional physical properties while their organic coatings regulate the assembly process. Moreover, organic coatings improve particle stability and solubility, as well as regulate charge and hydrophobicity. This thesis has focused on the engineering of nanoparticles\u27 surfaces using organic molecules and assembly of these particles through supramolecular interactions for various applications. Morphology of the nanoparticle assembly was tuned simply by varying the degree of fluorinated coating on particles\u27 surfaces and thus controlling their hydrophobicity. Surface engineered particles were also assembled at oil-water interfaces alone and with enzymes creating colloidal microcapsules for controlled release and catalysis respectively. The combination of the unique attributes of the nanoparticle cores and the function of the organic coating provides ample opportunities in the creation of multi-functional nano-materials that are useful in biological and materials applications