Three-dimensional lock and key colloids

Yu Wang, Yufeng Wang, Xiaolong Zheng, Gi Ra Yi, Stefano Sacanna, David J. Pine, Marcus Weck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Colloids with well-defined multicavities are synthesized through the hydrolytic removal of silica cluster templates from organo-silica hybrid patchy particles. The geometry of the cavities stems from the originally assembled cluster templates, displaying well-defined three-dimensional symmetries, ranging from spherical, linear, triangular, tetrahedral, trigonal dipyramidal, octahedral, to pentagonal dipyramidal. The concave surface of the cavities is smooth, and the cavity shallowness and size can be varied. These particles with multicavities can act as "lock" particles with multiple "key holes". Up to n "key" particles can self-assemble into the lock particles via depletion interaction, resulting in multivalent, site-specific, reversible, and flexible bonding.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6866-6869
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume136
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - May 14 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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