Highly stretchable nanoparticle helices through geometric asymmetry and surface forces

Geometric asymmetry and surface forces are used directly the shape transformation of two-dimensional nanoparticle (NP)-based ribbons into three-dimensional helices. The balance between elasticity and surface tension dictates the helical radius dimension. NP helical ribbons have exceptional mechanical properties, displaying high stretchability, helical shape recovery after extension, and low-strain stiffness values similar to biological helices.