Supramolecular assemblies and nanoparticle integration studied through quantitative image analysis and 3D reconstruction

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Nanoparticle incorporation to supramolecular assemblies is essential for designing hybrid nanostructures with tailored optical and structural properties. However, understanding the interactions that govern the attachment and formation of such composites remains a challenge, particularly when complex structures are involved. In this study, we explore the fabrication of quantum dot (QD)/J-aggregate of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin (H2TPPS4) composites, where electrostatic interactions between cysteamine-functionalized QDs and negatively charged J-aggregate of H4TPPS4 with L-alanine play a key role in their formation. By systematically varying QD concentrations, we examine how QD loading influences the structure and attachment pattern of the composites. Quantitative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image analysis and three-dimensional (3D) TEM tomography were employed to provide detailed insights into the interparticle spacing, thickness distribution, and 3D morphology of the QD/J-aggregate composites. The results show that higher QD concentrations lead to multilayered structures with decreased interparticle spacing, and TEM tomography reveals the helical arrangement of QDs on the H4TPPS4 with L-alanine framework. This work emphasizes the critical role of advanced imaging techniques and quantitative analyses in understanding the evolution of nanoparticle assemblies, opening new possibilities for the design of advanced hybrid nanostructures.
Funding Information
  • National Research Foundation of Korea (RS-2023-00241926, RS-2024-00393887, RS-2025-02214848)

This publication has 43 references indexed in Scilit: