Semiconductor nanoparticles with concave morphologies for sensory key-lock applications.

The properties of nanoparticles are not just influenced by their composition, size and surface functionalization but also by their shape. In general crystals grow in a convex morphology but new synthetic strategies opened access to concave structures. These concave structures show promising features for e. g. sensory key-lock applications.

We want to transfer the so called “cast mold” approach to a variety of materials. In this approach a semiconductor is grown on a nanoparticle e. g. a metal nanoparticle. Afterwards the latter is etched to receive a concave shaped semiconductor nanoparticle.

 The so obtained cave can interact size-sensitive with other nanoparticles, which could be exploited for sensory applications.