title: Connecting the particles in the box--controlled fusion of hexamer nanocrystal clusters within an AB₆ binary nanocrystal superlattice.
abstract: Binary nanocrystal superlattices present unique opportunities to create novel interconnected nanostructures by partial fusion of specific components of the superlattice. Here, we demonstrate the binary AB6 superlattice of PbSe and Fe2O3 nanocrystals as a model system to transform the central hexamer of PbSe nanocrystals into a single fused particle. We present detailed structural analysis of the superlattices by combining high-resolution X-ray scattering and electron microscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations show optimum separation of nanocrystals in agreement with the experiment and provide insights into the molecular configuration of surface ligands. We describe the concept of nanocrystal superlattices as a versatile 'nanoreactor' to create and study novel materials based on precisely defined size, composition and structure of nanocrystals into a mesostructured cluster. We demonstrate 'controlled fusion' of nanocrystals in the clusters in reactions initiated by thermal treatment and pulsed laser annealing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science &Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853.
authors.forename: Benjamin E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Treml
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical &Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853.
authors.forename: Binit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lukose
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical &Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853.
authors.forename: Paulette
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Clancy
authors.affiliation: Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853.
authors.forename: Detlef-M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Smilgies
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical &Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hanrath
mesh_terms: D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D007854:Lead / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D056004:Molecular Dynamics Simulation; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D018036:Selenium Compounds; C088065:lead selenide; C000499:ferric oxide; D007854:Lead