Nanoparticle self-assembly study could lead new molecular machines

5 January 2010

Nanoparticles or nanomaterials are required for various applications in almost all fields including energy, medicine, electronics, consumer goods and technology. These particles rearrange themselves, which is also called self-assembly of nanoparticles.

Now researchers at the University of Glassglow along with scientists of University of Bielefeld have recorded the self-assembly process of nanomaterials. The team has managed to get the blueprint of the whole assembly process and come out with the research findings in the recent issue of the Journal Science.

Researchers constructed flow reactor system and observed the assembly process under dynamic flowing conditions thus allowing first time to monitor the growth at nano level. Researchers here took molybdenum oxide wheel molecule and observed the self assembly of the molecule around intermediate structure.

Researchers found that a template used to form a larger molecule and after reaching to a particular size the nanomaterial ejects automatically allowing space to form another nano-molecule. Resaecrhs also photographed the formation of nanomaterial through a X-ray crystallography.

The new process will allow to generate the information on a number of nanomaterial self-assembly process and which will ultimately guide formation of a number of future advanced nanomaterials that will find place in all fields of science and technology.

Related Posts: