For three-dimensional photonic crystals, made either by top-down microfabrication or bottom-up self-assembly approaches, to comply with the stringent requirements of optical telecommunication applications, their degree structural perfection and quality must meet an exceptionally high standard. Only such superior crystals can unique properties be harnessed in devices circuits constructed from micrometer-sized components. In this paper, we present a new strategy for making silica colloidal...

Highly monodisperse spherical silica nanoparticles with diameters ranging from ca. 15 to 200 nm were prepared using an environmentally friendly water-based synthesis. The size of the spheres can be precisely controlled by a facile regrowth procedure in same reaction media. Furthermore, these successfully used as seeds well-established Stöber preparation. approach allows for easy incorporation functional additives. High monodispersity and charge stabilization renders highly suitable...

Slow photons in photonic crystals are shown to optically amplify the photoactivity of anatase TiO2 an inverse opal structure. An enhancement absorption as a result slow leads larger population electron–hole pairs and faster degradation organic molecules. A remarkable twofold is achieved (see figure) when energy optimized with respect edge anatase.

Monodisperse size-controlled faceted pentagonal silver nanorods were synthesized by thermal regrowth of decahedral nanoparticle (AgNPs) in aqueous solution at 95 °C, using citrate as a reducing agent. The width the was determined size starting particle, while length varied from 50 nm to 2 μm amount new added growth solution. Controlled allowed us produce monodisperse AgNPs with shape elongated dipyramid (regular Johnson solid, J16). Faceted particles exhibited remarkable optical properties...

Monodisperse decahedral silver nanoparticles have been synthesized with excellent shape selectivity (>99%) by novel photochemical transformation of aqueous nanoparticle precursors. The procedure employs intense white light and is very robust reproducible. precursor solution transforms from a mixture shapes dominated small platelets into the decahedra, driven superior stability seeds. decahedra size can be varied adjusting intensity spectral properties irradiating light. Furthermore,...

Experimental and theoretical studies of the self-propelled motional dynamics a new genre catalytic sphere dimer, which comprises non-catalytic silica connected to platinum sphere, are reported for first time. Using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as fuel effect propulsion dimers, both quasi-linear quasi-circular trajectories observed in solution phase analyzed different dimensions component. In addition, well-defined rotational motion these dimers is at solution-substrate interface. The nature...

Co‐assembly of binary dispersions monodisperse microspheres with large size ratios has been used to produce well‐ordered hexagonally close‐packed monolayers spheres a superimposed pattern small (see Figure). The architectures obtained are determined by the and concentration in dispersions, very diverse, can be reproducibly over millimeter length scales.

A broadly wavelength tunable polyferrocenylsilane–silica composite photonic crystal with a fast response is presented. Polychromic variation in the reflection effected via swelling by solvent of crosslinked redox‐active metallopolymer gel network incorporated voids planarized silica colloidal film. The Figure demonstrates mechanical crystals.

Ultrathin gold nanoframes (up to 1.6 nm) were prepared via templating upon well-defined faceted silver morphologies. Starting with decahedra, small quantities of (1–10 mol % relative the amount silver) selectively deposited on nanoparticle edges under optimized reducing conditions. Silver dissolution in hydrogen peroxide yielded frames that retained their structural integrity ultrathin nanowire regime below 2 nm. The frame formation protocol was also successfully applied other shapes...

A novel approach of cyclic reduction in oxidative conditions has been developed to prepare a single dominant species chiral thiol-stabilized silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). Such AgNCs, which are stable solution for up few days, have obtained the first time. The generality established procedure is proven by using several enantiomeric water-soluble thiols, including glutathione, as protective ligands. prepared AgNCs featured prominent optical properties pattern UV-vis absorption with...

A driving force in the rapidly developing field of photonic crystals has been bandgap, a range energies where propagation light is completely forbidden. The bandgap allows design lattices that localize, guide and bend at sub-micron length scales, providing opportunities for creation miniature optical devices integrated circuits to help drive revolution photonics. less well known attribute their theoretical ability slow velocity zero. This phenomenon can be achieved high low energy edges...

A versatile breast cancer-targeting nanocomposite therapeutic combining docetaxel (DXL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) network for controlled release, and silica-protected magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe

Optically amplified photochemistry with slow photons has been realized in our previous work when a photoactive material such as TiO2 was molded into photonic crystal and the corresponding energy of bands overlapped electronic excitation. While numerous applications crystals have proposed, real practicality depends on extent structural imperfection that can be tolerated before significant deterioration optical response deems it unrealistic to use. As result, is important evaluate amount...

A straightforward synthetic route to produce colloidal photonic crystals containing dielectric planar defects of controlled thickness (see Figure) is presented. Allowed states that arise within the stop band as a result this doping greatly modify reflectance properties crystals, in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

A robust and reasonably simple experiment is described that introduces students to the visualization of nanoscale properties intended for a first-year laboratory. Silver nanoprisms (NPs) display different colors due variation their plasmonic absorption with respect size are prepared. Control over silver achieved using novel approach, where bromide added reaction as size-determining agent, ions reduced by borohydride in presence citrate peroxide stabilizing shape-directing agents,...

Silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) with well-resolved electronic transitions in UV−vis spectra and chirooptical signatures have been synthesized via a versatile single-stage preparation utilizing stabilization chiral thiols aqueous solution. The most successful strategy proved to be the use of combination ligands. No purification or size separation AgNCs was required. confirmed single species displayed significant stability ambient conditions. Further improvement AgNC has achieved through their...

Applied nanomaterials in targeted drug delivery have received increased attention due to tangible advantages, including enhanced cell adhesion and internalization, controlled release, convenient detection the body, biodegradation, etc. Furthermore, conjugation of biologically active ingredients with drug-containing nanocarriers (nanobioconjugates) has realized impressive opportunities therapy. Among diverse nanostructures, halloysite nanotubes (NHTs) a rolled multilayer structure offer great...

The global race for the optically integrated photonic chip is driven by prospective that miniaturization of optical devices and enhanced functionality may revolutionize manufacture circuits, futuristic dream all-optical computer come true. aim this article to take a brief yet critical look at some developments in microsphere self-assembly colloidal crystals their technological potential from perspective research results have recently emerged our materials chemistry group. focus discussion...

We report a bottom-up synthesis of photochemically and thermally active azobenzene-based polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) planar defect embedded in colloidal photonic crystal (CPC). Both photoisomerization thermal cycling lead to precise tuning an intragap transmitting state induced by the PEM structural defect.

Recent advances in the area of chiral nano-building blocks are presented and discussed context nanoscience nanotechnology moving toward emerging functional applications nanomaterials, such as enantioselective catalysis, sensing chirooptical devices. The emphasis is given to nanoparticles clusters. General perspectives related helical tubular nanostructures considered terms transferring chirality from molecular level onto nanoscale reducing it practical use.

We studied effects of halides on morphology planar twinned silver nanoparticles and demonstrated application these to precisely tune surface plasmon resonance maxima in a broad vis-NIR range using reliable two-stage modification protocol.

Abstract Current progress in the exciting and burgeoning field of functional defects colloidal photonic crystals (CPCs) is reported. After a brief introduction into importance nature CPCs state‐of‐the‐art fabricating point, line, planar described. Measurement characterization techniques as well corresponding theory are discussed. Besides normal, passive defects, recent development reversibly tunable adds important functionality. In particular, addition chemical functionality demonstrated to...