Article abstract
Nature Nanotechnology 3, 682 - 690 (2008)
Published online: 28 September 2008 | doi:10.1038/nnano.2008.279
Subject Categories: Nanoparticles | Surface patterning and imaging
Nanopatterning self-assembled nanoparticle superlattices by moulding microdroplets
Wenlong Cheng1, Nokyoung Park1, M. Todd Walter1, Mark R. Hartman1 & Dan Luo1
Abstract
Highly ordered arrays of nanoparticles exhibit many properties that are not found in their disordered counterparts. However, these nanoparticle superlattices usually form in a far-from-equilibrium dewetting process, which precludes the use of conventional patterning methods owing to a lack of control over the local dewetting dynamics. Here, we report a simple yet efficient approach for patterning such superlattices that involves moulding microdroplets containing the nanoparticles and spatially regulating their dewetting process. This approach can provide rational control over the local nucleation and growth of the nanoparticle superlattices. Using DNA-capped gold nanoparticles as a model system, we have patterned nanoparticle superlattices over large areas into a number of versatile structures with high degrees of internal order, including single-particle-width corrals, single-particle-thickness microdiscs and submicrometre-sized 'supra-crystals'. Remarkably, these features could be addressed by micropatterned electrode arrays, suggesting potential applications in bottom-up nanodevices.
- Department of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
Correspondence to: Dan Luo1 e-mail: dan.luo@cornell.edu
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
NEWS AND VIEWS
Nanoparticle ensembles Nanocrystals come to orderNature Materials News and Views (01 May 2005)
From magic silicon clusters to low power LCDsNature Materials Research News (01 Dec 2002)
RESEARCH
Supplementary InformationNature Materials Article (01 Jun 2009)
Multimillimetre-large superlattices of air-stable iron?cobalt nanoparticlesNature Materials Letter (01 Oct 2005)
See all 10 matches for Research
