Polydopamine Spheres as Active Templates for Convenient Synthesis of Various Nanostructures. Issue 4 (1st November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Jian; Yang, Liping; Lin, Meng‐Fang; Ma, Jan; Lu, Xuehong; Lee, Pooi See
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 9:Issue 4(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 596
• Page End: 603
• Publication Date: 2012-11-01
• Subjects: Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201201064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>In this work, monodisperse polydopamine (PDA) spheres with tunable diameters have been synthesized through a facile and low cost method using a deionized water and alcohol mixed solvent. The PDA spheres possess surface functional groups (–OH, –NH₂), exhibiting an extraordinary versatile active nature. It is demonstrated that the PDA spheres could serve as an active template for the convenient synthesis of various nanostructures, e.g., MnO₂ hollow spheres or PDA/Fe₃O₄ and PDA/Ag core/shell nanostructures. No surface modification or special treatment is required for the synthesis of these nanostructures, which makes the fabrication process simple and very convenient. The novel application of PDA/Fe₃O₄ spheres as fillers in nanocomposites for high‐performance capacitors is demonstrated, indicating a promising practicality. The PDA spheres provide a new general platform not only for the facile assembly of nanostructures but also a green synthetic template for practical applications.</p> </abstract>