Small Angle Neutron and X-ray Scattering Studies of Hierarchically Self-Assembled Binary Superlattice of 1D Nanoparticles

Abstract

Synthesis of binary or multicomponent superstructures of nanoparticles, which may provide new emerging properties through synergetic coupling between different types of nanoparticles, are of great interests for various potential applications as well as its own scientific merit. Recently, exciting progresses have been made for the fabrication of binary spherical nanoparticle superlattices with various symmetries. However, systematic experimental studies on the mixtures of two different types of 1D nanoparticles to form highly ordered binary superlattices have been very rare. In this a talk, a highly ordered intercalated hexagonal binary superlattice of hydrophillically functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes (p-SWNTs) and surfactant (C12E5) cylindrical micelles investigated by small angle neutron and x-ray scattering [1] will be presented together with a brief overview of hierarchical self-assemblies of 1D nanoparticles in block copolymer [2,3] and lipid [4] systems. The understanding obtained in these studies provides new insights for designing new methods for synthesizing binary superlattices of other 1D nanoparticles (such as metallic, semiconducting, and magnetic nanorods which are of great current interests) with new synergetic functionalities. In this talk, a brief overview of the current status of HANARO, the neutron scattering facility in Korea, will be also presented.