Fabrication of Hierarchical Metallic Nanocomposite Core/Metal Shell Nanostructures by Self-Assembly

Direct self-assembly of metals with inorganic nanoparticles into hierarchical nanostructures is highly demanded. Here we developed a simple methodology for direct self-assembly of metals (pure or alloy) and nanoparticles into hierarchical metallic nanocomposites core/metal shell nanostructures in immiscible molten salt, driven by the minimization of interfacial energy of the system. The core metals and nanoparticles firstly assemble into metal-nanoparticle nanocomposite microspheres. The formed nanocomposite microspheres could be utilized as new building blocks for a subsequent self-assembly procedure to be coated form a metal shell. This work provide a novel and simple method to fabricate hierarchical nanocomposites core/metal shell nanostructures for numerous applications.