Controlling the Anisotropic Surface Wetting of Metal Nanoparticles by a Competitive Ligand Packing Strategy: Implications for Encapsulation

One of the challenges in the field of the incorporation of nanoparticles is how to control the core particle in the desired position/location of configurable shells. Herein, we describe a general and facile method for tuning the core position during the incorporation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in different kinds of shells. The strategy involves the use of AuNPs with different sizes, shapes, and surface chemistry, and we investigated the intriguing wetting of solid shell domains on seed nanoparticles. The observable shell permits a simple qualitative measurement of the nanoparticle surface wettability. It creates a platform for the synthesis of anisotropic nanoparticles.

Automated summary

This study presents a facile method for controlling the core position of gold nanoparticles in different shells, utilizing AuNPs with varying sizes, shapes, and surface chemistry. Investigation of the wetting of solid shell domains on seed nanoparticles allows for qualitative measurement of nanoparticle surface wettability, providing a platform for the synthesis of anisotropic nanoparticles.