Gold nanoparticles at the air-water interface can dynamically change their arrangement – depending on temperature and mechanical pressure. A research team from Tohoku University has observed this liquid-like behavior for the first time, thus showing a new way for adaptive nanomaterials.

The scientists led by Dr. Rina Sato and Professor Kiyoshi Kanie synthesized gold nanoparticles coated with two different organic molecules: temperature-responsive dendritic liquid crystal molecules and simple linear ligands. At room temperature, the particles formed isolated island-like structures. As the temperature rose, they arranged themselves into chain-like and finally net-like patterns (at about 40 °C). Under mechanical compression, the structures returned to island-like domains.

With the help of X-ray measurements at the DESY synchrotron in Hamburg, the team was able to elucidate the mechanism: The two surface molecules spontaneously redistribute themselves on the nanoparticle surface. This changes the apparent symmetry of the particles, leading to large-scale structural rearrangements.

“This work shows how tiny molecular changes can lead to dramatic structural transformations in nanoparticle systems,” Professor Kanie explained. The researchers see this as a new approach for “smart” and adaptive materials that react to environmental stimuli.

Potential applications range from temperature-responsive surfaces to microfluidic systems and biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems that respond to local temperature differences (e.g., in tumors).

The study was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on May 1, 2026.

Original Paper:

Temperature- and Pressure- Induced Ligand Anisotropy Drives Structural Reorganization of Dendronized Gold Nanoparticle Monolayers

Authors: Rina Sato, Joshua Reed, Emanuel Schneck, Kiyoshi Kanie

Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c22437

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability ected.