Tunable Self-Assembly of YF3 Nanoparticles by Citrate-Mediated Ionic Bridges.

ABSTRACT: Ligand-to-surface interactions are critical factors in surface and interface chemistry to control the mechanisms governing nanostructured colloidal suspensions. In particular, molecules containing carboxylate moieties (such as citrate anions) have been extensively investigated to stabilize metal, metal oxide, and metal fluoride nanoparticles. Using YF3 nanoparticles as a model system, we show here the self-assembly of citrate-stabilized nanostructures (supraparticles) with a size tunable by temperature. Results from several experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations show that the self-assembly of nanoparticles into supraparticles is due to ionic bridges between different nanoparticles. These interactions were caused by cations (e.g., ammonium) strongly adsorbed onto the nan

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Esain J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6090504 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature