An energy investigation into 1D/2D oriented-attachment assemblies of 1D Ag nanocrystals

In the field of oriented-attachment crystal growth, one-dimensional nanocrystals are frequently employed as building blocks to synthesize two-dimensional or large-aspect-ratio one-dimensional nanocrystals. Despite recent extensive experimental advances, the underlying inter-particle interaction in the synthesis still remains elusive. In this report, using Ag as a platform, we investigate the van der Waals interactions associated with the side-by-side and end-to-end assemblies of one-dimensional nanorods. The size, aspect ratio, and inter-particle separation of the Ag precursor nanorods are found to have dramatically different impacts on the van der Waals interactions in the two types of assemblies. Our work facilitates the fundamental understanding of the oriented-attachment assembling mechanism based on one-dimensional nanocrystals.