Tunable intraparticle frameworks for creating complex heterostructured nanoparticle libraries

Abstract

Retrosynthesizing complex nanostructures The solution synthesis of complex and asymmetric nanostructures is still challenging. For many applications, it will be important to gain simultaneous control over particle size and morphology, constituent materials, and internal interfaces. Fenton et al. have developed a strategy that mimics chemical retrosynthesis, starting with simple nanoparticle synthons—in this case, Cu 1.8 S nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanosheets. Various types of interfaces and junctions can be introduced, for example, by cation substitution. This intervention breaks the symmetry of the synthons and assembles them into higher-order structures. The nanostructures can thus be formed with asymmetric, patchy, porous, or sculpted regions. Science , this issue p. 513