A Novel Approach to the Facile Growth and Organization of Photothermal Prussian Blue Nanocrystals on Different Surfaces

We report here a novel one-pot approach for the controlled growth and organization of Prussian blue nanostructures on three different surfaces: pure Au-0, cysteamine-functionalized Au-0, and SiO2-supported lipid bilayers with different natures of lipids. We demonstrate that fine control over the size, morphology, and the degree and homogeneity of the surface coverage by Prussian Blue (PB) nanostructures may be achieved by manipulating different parameters, which are the precursor concentration, the nature of the functional groups or the nature of lipids on the surfaces. This allows the growth of isolated PB nanopyramids and nanocubes or the design of thin dense films over centimeter square surfaces. The formation of unusual Prussian blue nanopyramids is discussed. Finally, we demonstrate, by using experimental techniques and theoretical modeling, that PB nanoparticles deposited on the gold surface exhibit strong photothermal properties, permitting a rapid temperature increase up to 90 degrees C with a conversion of the laser power of almost 50% for power source heat.

Automated summary

By controlling parameters such as precursor concentration, nature of functional groups, or lipid properties, fine control over the size, morphology, and surface coverage of Prussian Blue nanostructures can be achieved. This approach allows the growth of PB nanopyramids and nanocubes on different surfaces, as well as the design of thin films over a wide area.