Self-assembly of inorganic nanocrystals: fabrication and collective intrinsic properties

In this Account, we demonstrate that the ordering of nanocrystals over long distances in 3D superlattices, called supracrystals, can lead to unexpected results: the emergence of collective intrinsic properties. The shape of the nanocrystal organization at the mesoscopic scale also induces new physical properties. In addition, we show that nanocrystals can be used as masks for lithography.