Low-dimensional, hinged bar-code metal oxide layers and free-standing, ordered organic nanostructures from turbostratic vanadium oxide

Small. 2008 Jul;4(7):990-1000. doi: 10.1002/smll.200701014.

Abstract

Both low-dimensional bar-coded metal oxide layers, which exhibit molecular hinging, and free-standing organic nanostructures can be obtained from unique nanofibers of vanadium oxide (VO(x)). The nanofibers are successfully synthesized by a simple chemical route using an ethanolic solution of vanadium pentoxide xerogel and dodecanethiol resulting in a double bilayered laminar turbostratic structure. The formation of vanadium oxide nanofibers is observed after hydrothermal treatment of the thiol-intercalated xerogel, resulting in typical lengths in the range 2-6 microm and widths of about 50-500 nm. We observe concomitant hinging of the flexible nanofiber lamina at periodic hinge points in the final product on both the nanoscale and molecular level. Bar-coded nanofibers comprise alternating segments of organic-inorganic (thiols-VO(x)) material and are amenable to segmented, localized metal nanoparticle docking. Under certain conditions free-standing bilayered organic nanostructures are realized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Inorganic / methods
  • Chemistry, Organic / methods
  • Crystallization
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Gels
  • Intercalating Agents / pharmacology
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Temperature
  • Vanadium / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Gels
  • Intercalating Agents
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Oxides
  • Vanadium