Polymer-Mediated Nanoparticle Assembly: Structural Control and Applications

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 17; no. 6; pp. 657 - 669
• Main Authors: Shenhar, R., Norsten, T. B., Rotello, V. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 22.03.2005; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Assembly; Assembly, polymer‐mediated; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles, assembly; polymer-mediated
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.200401291

Nanoparticle–polymer composites are diverse and versatile functional materials, with applications ranging from electronic device fabrication to catalysis. This review focuses on the use of chemical design to control the structural attributes of polymer‐mediated assembly of nanoparticles. We will illustrate the use of designed particles and polymers to create nanocomposites featuring interesting and pragmatic structures and properties. We will also describe applications of these engineered materials. Polymer–nanoparticle composites afford attractive combinations of material properties that are useful in fields such as catalysis, photonic bandgap materials, microelectronics, and sensing. This review emphasizes the control of nanocomposite structural parameters as a versatile tool for effecting desired material functions through polymer‐mediated assembly, providing access to new functional materials.