Formation of net-like patterns of gold nanoparticles in liquid crystal matrix at the air–water interface

摘要

Controlled patterning and formation of nanostructures on surfaces based on self-assembly is a promising area in the field of “bottom-up” nanomaterial engineering. We report formation of net-like structures of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in a matrix of liquid crystalline amphiphile 4′-n-octyl-4-cyanobiphenyl at the air–water interface. After initial compression to at least 18 mN m⁻¹, decompression of a Langmuir film of a mixture containing both components results in formation of net-like structures. The average size of a unit cell of the net is easily adjustable by changing the surface pressure during the decompression of the film. The net-like patterns of different, desired average unit cell areas were transferred onto solid substrates (Langmuir–Blodgett method) and investigated with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray reflectivity (XRR). Uniform coverage over large areas was proved. XRR data revealed lifting of the Au NPs from the surface during the formation of the film. A molecular mechanism of formation of the net-like structures is discussed.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11051-012-0826-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.