Publication Date
April 2010
Advisor(s)
Francis Starr
Major
Physics
Language
English (United States)
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NP) functionalized with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) offer a route to custom-designed, self-assembled nanomaterials with potentially unusual properties. We explore the phase behavior and structure of a model for NP functionalized with between 3 and 6 short ssDNA through simulations, allowing us to examine both the role of the number of attached strands (valency) and their relative orientations. We find that 3 to 5-functionalized NP form amorphous systems, with 4 and 5-functionalized NP constructing an unusual multitude of liquid phases, or polyamorphism, through interpenetration of networks. The 6-functionalized NP with octahedral symmetry form at least six crystalline structures, consisting of up to six interpenetrating simple cubic lattices. The crystallization dynamics of the 6-functionalized system follows the conventional two-step pathway, demonstrating that such mechanism applies to our NP system with complex interactions.
Recommended Citation
Dai, Wei, "Effect of Valency on the Dynamics and Thermodynamics of DNA-linked Nanoparticles Materials" (2010). Honors Theses - All. Paper 572.
http://wesscholar.wesleyan.edu/etd_hon_theses/572
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