Directing Self‐Assembly of Nanoparticles at Water/Oil Interfaces

Abstract

Finding the right angle: The contact angle of nanoparticles at the water/oil interface can be engineered close to 90° by capping with ligands containing carboxylic ester terminal groups. This drives the nanoparticles to self-assemble into close-packed films (see picture), and thus provides the opportunity to create two- or three-dimensional homo- or heterogeneous nanostructures for electronic, optoelectrical, and magnetic applications.