Preprint

PUBDB-2025-05412

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Universal progression of structure and dynamics in colloidal nanocrystal gels during salt-accelerated aging

Ofosu, C. K. ; Conrad, D. ; Brackett, W. ; Qian, D. ; Lee, T.-L. ; Kang, J. ; Choi, J. ; Bessmertnaya, A. ; Oberlander, J. ; Green, A. ; Lehmkühler, F.XFEL.EU*DESY* ; Fluerasu, A. ; Anslyn, E. ; Truskett, T. ; Milliron, D. (Corresponding author)Extern*

2025

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-jbb5x  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2025-05412

Abstract: Controlling the structure and function of colloidal gels requires a detailed understanding of how the various components govern network formation and aging. In particular, molecular additives like salts are widely used to tune interparticle interactions, yet their influence on gelation pathways in complex systems such as colloidal nanocrystal gels remains inadequately understood. Here, we investigate how non-coordinating salts modulate the evolution of gels formed using chemically-linked tin-doped indium oxide nanocrystals. Through combined structural, dynamic, and kinetic analyses, we demonstrate that increasing salt concentration accelerates gelation. When rescaled by salt-dependent characteristic times, the evolution collapses onto universal trajectories, revealing a time-salt superposition principle. The universality extends across length scales suggesting a single salt-dependent mechanism that controls both local structuring and macroscopic network formation. This observed salt modulation of structure and dynamics provides a predictive basis for controlling the kinetics of non-equilibrium nanocrystal gel assembly, enhancing the rational design of functional nanomaterials with tunable properties.

Note: cc-by

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Spectroscopy of molecular processes (FS-SMP)

Research Program(s):

1. 631 - Matter – Dynamics, Mechanisms and Control (POF4-631) (POF4-631)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
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