Self-assembly of nanoparticle thin films at the liquid-liquid interface

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The self-assembly of nanoparticles is one of the decisive topics of current research. It leads to the formation of ordered structures on a meso- or macroscopic scale and thus combines the advantages of large scale structures with the special properties of the nanoscale. In this respect it is of foremost interest to investigate new ways for the preparation of self-assembled and at the same time durable nano-structured materials like cohesive thin films. During our studies of the biomimetic formation of calcium carbonate thin films we found a new method for the preparation of cohesive thin films at the liquid-liquid interface, which consist of a mixture of a surfactant (e.g. stearic acid) and nanoparticles (e.g. Silica Ludox beads). Although the mechanism of film formation is at present unknown to us, this system presents a straight-forward approach which can be studied by means of interfacial rheology and methods of colloid and interface sciences. Accordingly the focus of the proposed research plan lies in the investigation of the phenomena that occur at the liquid-liquid interface during film growth and the adsorption of particles. These can include the mutual permeation of both phases, the formation of local microemulsions, micelles, lamellar phases or other structures that emerge during film formation and that are guided by the composition of the organic phase. Most importantly, the interaction of the nanoparticles with surfactants that leads to the film formation needs to be studied in detail.