Morphology of mixed-monolayers protecting metal nanoparticles

Anisotropic nanoparticles with precisely controlled chemical functionality are attractive building blocks for the assembly of sophisticated new materials and devices. Metal nanoparticles protected by self-assembled organic monolayers (MPCs) have drawn increasing attention due to potential applications in biosensing, catalysis, electronics and nanotechnology. However, a significant challenge remaining in nanoscience research is the capability to break symmetry in the isotropic ligand shell passivating these metal particles. Here we present recent strategies exploited to control the topology of multi-component self-assembled monolayers on metal nanoparticles.