Modulating\nElectrical Double Layers: Facile Approach\nfor Promoting Noncovalent Interactions between Boron Nitride Nanosheets\nand Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

Electrical double layer (EDL) plays a crucial role in\ncolloidal\nchemistry, which can be modified by changing the pH and ionic strength\nof a solution. Even though EDL is well-recognized, there are limited\nstudies exploring interactions between two-dimensional (2D) and zero-dimensional\nnanoparticles. Herein, we demonstrate a simple pH-based approach to\ncontrol the EDL of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and gold nanoparticles\n(AuNPs) that plays a crucial role in their interaction, displaying\na one-way gate effect. We observed that as the EDL decreases, AuNPs\ncan come into closer interaction with BNNSs, and this also resulted\nin a deceleration of the aggregation process of AuNPs when functionalized\nwith l-cysteine. This work provides a fundamental understanding\nof how modulation of the EDL of 2D nanomaterials can be achieved through\nfunctionalizing strategies.