Electric-field-induced orientation of surfactant-templated nanoscopic silica

Publication Year
2007

Type

Journal Article
Abstract
While exhibiting a well-defined nanometer-level structure, surfactant-templated nanoscopic silicas produced via self-assembly do not always possess long-range order. We demonstrate that long-range order can be controlled by guiding the self-assembly of nanostructured silica-surfactant hybrids with low-strength electric fields (E similar to 200 V/m) to produce nanoscopic silica with both the micrometer- and nanometer-level structures oriented parallel to the applied field. Under the influence of the electric field, nanoscopic silica particles migrate, elongate, and merge into fibers with a rate of migration proportional to the applied field strength. The linear dependence with the field strength indicates that the process is governed by electroosmotic flow but not by polarization effects. Realignment of the short-range ordered surfactant nanochannels along the fiber axis accompanies the migration.
Journal
Langmuir
Volume
23
Pages
8156-8162
Date Published
07/2007
Type of Article
Article
ISBN
0743-7463
Accession Number
WOS:000247893600043