Reversible aggregation of carbon nanohorns triggered by electrostatic interactions
The assembly of nanomaterials into larger, functional frameworks is a growing area of nanotechnology. This study focuses on the reversible aggregation of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) functionalized with quaternary ammonium salts (Q-CNHs) using negatively charged azobenzenes as ionic glue. CNHs, character...
| Autores: | , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) |
| Repositorio: | RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/47695 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2025.120513 https://hdl.handle.net/10578/47695 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Carbon nanohorns Nanomaterial functionalization Nanomaterial self-assembly Reversible nanoparticle frameworks |
| Sumario: | The assembly of nanomaterials into larger, functional frameworks is a growing area of nanotechnology. This study focuses on the reversible aggregation of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) functionalized with quaternary ammonium salts (Q-CNHs) using negatively charged azobenzenes as ionic glue. CNHs, characterized by high surface area were modified through a three-step process to enhance their aqueous dispersibility. A series of azobenzenes with varying numbers of carboxylate groups were synthesized to investigate their effect on Q-CNHs aggregation. The synthesis involved reductive coupling and the Mills reaction. Aggregation experiments demonstrated that the efficiency of Q-CNHs precipitation correlated with the azobenzene charge. Notably, the [2,2] azobenzene, with four carboxylate groups, was the most effective, forming frameworks around 1 μm in size. The reversibility of the assemblies was confirmed through multiple sonication and stirring cycles, with no significant fatigue observed. This dynamic behavior was monitored using scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, highlighting the potential for creating recyclable nanomaterial frameworks. This study underscores the importance of molecular charge in nanoparticle assembly and paves the way for designing responsive and reconfigurable nanostructures. |
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