Nanoscale asymmetry leads to Janus-like nanoparticle membranes

Using grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), very small differences in the distribution of coated-nanoparticle membranes were detected and found to be responsible for their folding into tubular structures. Molecular dynamics simulations show this is related to surface molecular packing density and mobility.