Nanoparticle Superlattices

Nanoparticle superlattices are ordered assemblies of nanoscale building blocks that mimic atomic crystals while exhibiting unique, tunable properties. These structures can be formed through bottom-up self-assembly processes, where nanoparticles are considered analogous to atoms connected by programmable interactions. By adjusting the nanoparticle core composition and surface ligands, researchers can precisely control lattice symmetry, spacing, and orientation, creating materials with novel optical, electronic, magnetic, and catalytic functionalities. The soft organic shell around each nanoparticle functions as both a spacer and a bonding layer, enabling the formation of diverse architectures such as body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, and more complex geometries. This presentation will introduce the principles governing nanoparticle superlattice formation, focusing on DNA- and polymer-mediated assembly methods and their characterization techniques. Ultimately, these superlattices offer a versatile platform for developing hierarchical, multifunctional materials with potential applications in photonics, sensing, and energy storage technologies.