Reconstitutable Nanoparticle Superlattices
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Abstract
Colloidal
self-assembly predominantly results in lattices that
are either: (1) fixed in the solid state and not amenable to additional
modification, or (2) in solution, capable of dynamic adjustment, but
difficult to transition to other environments. Accordingly, approaches
to both dynamically adjust the interparticle spacing of nanoparticle
superlattices and reversibly transfer superlattices between solution-phase
and solid state environments are limited. In this manuscript, we report
the reversible contraction and expansion of nanoparticles within immobilized
monolayers, surface-assembled superlattices, and free-standing single
crystal superlattices through dehydration and subsequent rehydration.
Interestingly, DNA contraction upon dehydration occurs in a highly
uniform manner, which allows access to spacings as small as 4.6 nm
and as much as a 63% contraction in the volume of the lattice. This
enables one to deliberately control interparticle spacings over a
4–46 nm range and to preserve solution-phase lattice symmetry
in the solid state. This approach could be of use in the study of
distance-dependent properties of nanoparticle superlattices and for
long-term superlattice preservation