title: Reconstitutable nanoparticle superlattices.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, ‡International Institute for Nanotechnology, §Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
authors.forename: Boya
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Radha
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Senesi
authors.forename: Matthew N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Mary X
authors.initials: MX
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Auyeung
authors.forename: Byeongdu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Chad A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mirkin