Abstract: A catalytic nanoparticle can include a nanodiamond core, a thin-layer polymeric film applied to an outer surface of the nanodiamond core, and a catalyst immobilized at an outer surface of the thin-layer polymeric film. The nanoparticles can also be used in connection with a transducer to form a sensor. A method of catalysis can include contacting the catalytic nanoparticle with a reactant in a reaction area. The reactant can be capable of forming a reaction product via a reaction catalyzed by the catalyst. The method of catalysis can also include facilitating a catalytic interaction between the catalytic nanoparticle and the reactant.

Abstract: A catalytic nanoparticle can include a nanodiamond core, a thin-layer polymeric film applied to an outer surface of the nanodiamond core, and a catalyst immobilized at an outer surface of the thin-layer polymeric film. The nanoparticles can also be used in connection with a transducer to form a sensor. A method of catalysis can include contacting the catalytic nanoparticle with a reactant in a reaction area. The reactant can be capable of forming a reaction product via a reaction catalyzed by the catalyst. The method of catalysis can also include facilitating a catalytic interaction between the catalytic nanoparticle and the reactant.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions having at least one asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle. An asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle can comprise a nanoparticle core having an outer surface, a primary group of first ligands attached to a substantially continuous primary region of the outer surface, and a secondary group of second ligands attached to a substantially continuous secondary region of the outer surface, such that the primary group of first ligands and the secondary group of second ligands comprise a different ligand population.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions having one-dimensional nanoparticle chains. A one-dimensional nanoparticle chain can comprise a linear substantially non-crosslinked polymer having pendant groups and asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticles attached to the polymer through the pendant groups. Additionally, an asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle can comprise a nanoparticle core having an outer surface, a primary group of first ligands attached to a substantially continuous primary region of the outer surface, and a secondary group of second ligands attached to a substantially continuous secondary region of the outer surface, such that the primary group of first ligands and the secondary group of second ligands comprise a different ligand population.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing ligand-capped metal nanoparticles is disclosed and described. A method of synthesizing ligand-capped metal nanoparticles can comprise reacting a metal salt with 9-borabicyclo [3.3.1] nonane as a reducing agent in the presence of a capping ligand to form the ligand-capped metal nanoparticles. The method can be a single step approach which also significantly broadens choices for capping agents which can be readily incorporated during formation of the metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions having at least one asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle. An asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle can comprise a nanoparticle core having an outer surface, a primary group of first ligands attached to a substantially continuous primary region of the outer surface, and a secondary group of second ligands attached to a substantially continuous secondary region of the outer surface, such that the primary group of first ligands and the secondary group of second ligands comprise a different ligand population.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions having one-dimensional nanoparticle chains. A one-dimensional nanoparticle chain can comprise a linear substantially non-crosslinked polymer having pendant groups and asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticles attached to the polymer through the pendant groups. Additionally, an asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle can comprise a nanoparticle core having an outer surface, a primary group of first ligands attached to a substantially continuous primary region of the outer surface, and a secondary group of second ligands attached to a substantially continuous secondary region of the outer surface, such that the primary group of first ligands and the secondary group of second ligands comprise a different ligand population.