(599e) Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Through Facilitated Mineralization by Self-Assembled Biomimetic Molecules

Metal oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized through hydrothermal and thermal decomposition methods to control their crystalline structure. Without the thermal treatment, amorphous structured minerals are conventionally obtained. Here we report the synthesis of semiconducting metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled crystalline structure in the self-assembled biomimetic bolaamphiphile molecules. The nanoparticle synthesis was achieved at room temperature through the catalytic function of the biomimetic molecule. Specifically, the nanoparticles were prepared by controlled minerlization of aqueous inorganic precursors which was mediated by the functional groups of biomimetic molecules. A biomimetic bolaamphiphile molecule of bis(N-α-amido-glycylglycine) heptane-1,7-dicarboxylate was synthesized and used to promote controlled mineralization of indium tin oxide (ITO) and zinc tin oxide (ZTO) nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles showed good electrical and optoelectrical properties which are comparable to those prepared by conventional methods. We also prepared new biomimetic molecule have surface-exposed mineralizing functionality and self-assembling property to make thin metal-biomimetic hybrid material. The outcomes indicate that designer biomimetic molecule is a promising molecule for the low-energy consuming fabrication method of functional nanomaterials.