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Host–guest inclusion complexes are abundant in molecular systems and of fundamental importance in living organisms. Realizing a colloidal analogue of a molecular dynamic inclusion complex is challenging because inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) with a well-defined cavity and portal are difficult to synthesize in high yield and with good structural fidelity. Herein, a generic strategy towards the fabrication of dynamic 1:1 inclusion complexes of metal nanoparticles inside oxide nanocups with high yield (>70 %) and regiospecificity (>90 %) by means of a reactive double Janus nanoparticle intermediate is reported. Experimental evidence confirms that the inclusion complexes are formed by a kinetically controlled mechanism involving a delicate interplay between bipolar galvanic corrosion and alloying–dealloying oxidation. Release of the NP guest from the nanocups can be efficiently triggered by an external stimulus.

Dynamic Inclusion Complexes of Metal Nanoparticles Inside Nanocups→