Functionalization and Grafting of Nanoparticle Surfaces

Nanoparticles have been attracting extensive interest as unique functional nanomaterials due to their size and surface-dependent properties. Capping the surfaces with select ligands will not only prevent the nanoparticles from oxidation, corrosion, and/or aggregation but will also create a new and functional surface, further facilitating/improving their applications in diverse fields. This article aims to summarize recent progress in the surface modification of nanoparticles. We start by reviewing recent development of effective methods to nanoparticle surface functionalization and grafting, followed by a discussion of how the surface ligands influence the optical, electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties of nanoparticles, and how the surface modification may be exploited as a unique platform for diverse applications. The review ends by discussing key challenges that remain unresolved in nanoparticle structural characterization, as well as new directions in nanoparticle surface chemistry.