Interpolymer Complexation as a Strategy for Nanoparticle Assembly and Crystallization

Controlled self-assembly of nanoparticles into ordered structures is a major step to fabricating nanotechnology-based devices. Here, we report on the self-assembly of high quality superlattices of nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions induced via interpolymer complexation. Using small-angle X-ray scattering, we demonstrate that the NPs crystallize into superlattices of face-centered-cubic symmetry, initially driven by hydrogen bonding and subsequently by van der Waals forces between the complexed coronas of hydrogen-bonded polymers. We show that the lattice constant and crystal quality can be tuned by polymer concentration, suspension pH, and the length of polymer chains. Interpolymer complexation to assemble nanoparticles is scalable, inexpensive, versatile, and general