Virtual Issue: Growth of Colloid and Interface Science

This Virtual Issue is dedicated to the scientific accomplishments of Helmuth Möhwald (1946-2018).  In addition to his own highly notable scientific achievements, Möhwald fostered the growth of a variety of research topics within interface science. Further, though his focus was on fundamental research, he never forgot the link to potential applications. Explored by Helmuth and coworkers, this includes new approaches in X-ray diffraction at liquid surfaces; introduction and advancement of LbL technique; functional colloids; development of nanocapsules; stimuli-sensitive microgels; and Pickering emulsions.

Accompanying this Virtual Issue is a Special Issue of the same name. The Langmuir issue is made up of Feature Articles contributed by a handful of Möhwald’s former coworkers, each article highlighting a current research direction that was initiated through prior collaboration with Möhwald, but the focus of this Virtual Issue is retrospective. In partnership with ACS Nano and Journal of Physical Chemistry B and C, Langmuir to highlight 11 previous publications that exemplify the development of the different research topics generated in collaboration with Helmuth Möhwald.

New approaches in X-ray Diffraction at Liquid Surfaces

Christiane Helm:

Synchrotron x-ray diffraction and reflection studies of arachidic acid monolayers at the air-water interface
J. Phys. Chem., 1989, 93, 8, 3200-3206
DOI: 10.1021/j100345a063

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Gerald Brezesinki:

Polymorphism of a triple-chain lecithin in two- and three-dimensional systems
Langmuir, 1991, 7, 3, 539-546
DOI: 10.1021/la00051a021

Introduction and Advancement of LbL Technique

Dmitry Volodkin:

Control of Cell Adhesion by Mechanical Reinforcement of Soft Polyelectrolyte Films with Nanoparticles
Langmuir, 2012, 28, 18, 7249-7257
DOI: 10.1021/la300635z

Development of Nanocapsules

Gleb Sukhorukov:

Hollow Polyelectrolyte Shells: Exclusion of Polymers and Donnan Equilibrium
J. Phys. Chem. B, 1999, 103, 31, 6434-6440
DOI: 10.1021/jp990095v

Functional Colloids

Dmitry Shchukin:

Laser-Controllable Coatings for Corrosion Protection
ACS Nano, 2009, 3, 7, 1753-1760
DOI: 10.1021/nn900347x

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Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Remote Opening of Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules
Langmuir, 2007, 23, 8, 4612-4617
DOI: 10.1021/la063420w

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Andreas Fery:

Plasmon Resonance Tunable by Deaggregation of Gold Nanoparticles in Multilayers
J. Phys. Chem. C, 2007, 111, 27, 10082-10087
DOI: 10.1021/jp072214+

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André Skirtach:

Nanoplasmonic Modification of the Local Morphology, Shape, and Wetting Properties of Nanoflake Microparticles
Langmuir, 2013, 29, 24, 7464-7471
DOI: 10.1021/la304550n

Stimuli-Sensitive Microgels

Dayang Wang:

Langmuir and Gibbs Magnetite NP Layers at the Air/Water Interface
Langmuir, 2011, 27, 3, 1192-1199
DOI: 10.1021/la1039464

New Directions in Pickering Emulsions

Yuri Lvov:

Halloysite Clay Nanotubes for Controlled Release of Protective Agents
ACS Nano, 2008, 2, 5, 814-820
DOI: 10.1021/nn800259q

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Martin Haase:

Nanoparticle Modification by Weak Polyelectrolytes for pH-Sensitive Pickering Emulsions
Langmuir, 2011, 27, 1, 74-82
DOI: 10.1021/la1027724

Read the Growth of Colloids Special Issue

Additional Reading

The Editors at ACS Nano have also written an excellent Perspective highlighting developments in the field of layer-by-layer assembly to which Möhwald made significant contributions: The Future of Layer-by-Layer Assembly: A Tribute to ACS Nano Associate Editor Helmuth Möhwald