Functional nanoparticles and nanoparticle assemblies

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This proposal involves the development of methods for the fabrication of controlled assemblies of matter at the nanometer length scale. At these small dimensions, many materials exhibit properties that are distinctly different from their macroscopic analogues. Furthermore, the properties of nanomaterials can often be modulated by subtle changes in size and structural organisation. In the case of single-phase individual nanoparticles, properties are determined by factors such as size, shape, composition and crystallinity. Properties can be further refined through the use of more complex, hybrid architectures, such as core-shell particles. Finally, in the case of nanoparticle assemblies, function will depend on not only the properties of the constituent particles, but also the precise way in which they are organised. The overall objective of the research program is the development of bottom-up methods for the structural control of nanomaterials at different hierarchical levels. More specific objectives can be defined based on the exact chemical nature of the materials investigated. The proposed research focuses on two types of nanoparticles: inorganic luminescent particles containing lanthanide ions and plasmonic particles composed of noble metals. In the case of luminescent particles, the primary objective of the research is the preparation of well-defined, core-shell particles designed for the investigation of photophysical processes such as energy transfer and upconversion. In the case of metal nanoparticles, the goal is to employ surface self-assembly to produce organised nanostructures for the optimisation of plasmonic coupling. The proposed research can be anticipated to be of both fundamental and applied significance. On a fundamental level, methods will be developed for controlled nanoparticle synthesis and directed particle assembly that can be generalised to other systems. The specific materials developed though the research program will be of applied significance either as luminescent probes for biological imaging or in plasmonic sensing devices.