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Single-crystal Winterbottom constructions of nanoparticle superlattices
Diana J Lewis1,2, Leonardo Z Zornberg1, David J D Carter2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA.
Nature Materials
|March 24, 2020
Summary
Programmable DNA hybridization enables precise control over nanoparticle superlattice crystallization at interfaces. This method allows for the rational design and understanding of heterogeneous crystallization phenomena.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Crystallography
Background:
- Colloidal nanoparticle assembly offers models for homogeneous crystallization.
- Heterogeneous crystallization at interfaces is difficult to control due to simultaneous interaction requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate programmable DNA hybridization for controlled interfacial nanoparticle crystallization.
- To explore deviations from predicted structures and understand interfacial growth pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing programmable DNA hybridization to direct nanoparticle assembly.
- Creating substrate-bound nanoparticle superlattices with tunable properties.
- Analyzing crystal structures and growth pathways.
Main Results:
- Formation of single-crystal Winterbottom constructions with defined sizes, shapes, orientations, and anisotropy.
- Observation of deviations from predicted structures due to novel growth pathways.
- Demonstration of precise control over interparticle and particle-surface interactions.
Conclusions:
- Programmable DNA hybridization is a powerful tool for controlling interfacial crystallization.
- This model system provides insights into the unique aspects of heterogeneous crystallization compared to atomic crystals.
- The study enables rational design and understanding of complex interfacial self-assembly processes.
