Simulations and analysis of self-assembly of CdTe nanoparticles into wires and sheets

Nano Lett. 2007 Jun;7(6):1670-5. doi: 10.1021/nl0706300. Epub 2007 May 11.

Abstract

Recent experiments have reported the self-assembly of TGA- and DMAET-stabilized CdTe nanoparticles (NPs) into wires and sheets, respectively, depending upon the stabilizer used. We develop a mesoscale model based on quantum mechanical calculations and perform Monte Carlo simulations of these NPs to elucidate the conditions under which these two structures will form. We show that consideration of NP shape, directional attraction, and electrostatic interactions is key to determining the anisotropy of the NP-NP interaction and final self-assembled structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cadmium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Tellurium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cadmium Compounds
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Tellurium
  • cadmium telluride