Stress-Induced
Nanoparticle Crystallization
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Abstract
We
demonstrate for the first time a new mechanical annealing method
that can significantly improve the structural quality of self-assembled
nanoparticle arrays by eliminating defects at room temperature. Using <i>in situ</i> high-pressure small-angle X-ray scattering, we show
that deformation of nanoparticle assembly in the presence of gigapascal
level stress rebalances interparticle forces within nanoparticle arrays
and transforms the nanoparticle film from an amorphous assembly with
defects into a quasi-single crystalline superstructure. Our results
show that the existence of the hydrostatic pressure field makes the
transformation both thermodynamically and kinetically possible/favorable,
thus providing new insight for nanoparticle self-assembly and integration
with enhanced mechanical performance