Creation and Characterization of Self-Assembled Quantum Dot Foams

Self-assembly of nanoparticles (NP) into micron scale hollow structures of various morphologies can be achieved using the Isotropic-Nematic (I-N) phase transition of Liquid Crystals as a template [1]. This year a new structure was created which we had previously not seen with this system. It is a three-dimensional foam with hexagonal cells. The structure of this foam looks very similar to human epithelial cells, the cells that form protective and functional layers on the environment interfacing surfaces of organs. Recreating and characterizing this foam to control the self-assembly of it can lead to the creation of foams with different properties. In this study we recreate the cellular foam using a variety of experimental parameters to control cell size and use techniques applied to studies of epithelial cells to analyze and quantify the characteristics of the new structure.

1. 1. Riahinasab, S.T., Keshavarz, A., Melton, C.N. et al. Nanoparticle-based hollow microstructures formed by two-stage nematic nucleation and phase separation. Nat Commun 10, 894 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-08702-3