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Structure and Formation Kinetics of Millimeter‐Size Single Domain Supercrystals
Author(s) -
GarcíaLojo Daniel,
Modin Evgeny,
GómezGraña Sergio,
ImpérorClerc Marianne,
Chuvilin Andrey,
PastorizaSantos Isabel,
PérezJuste Jorge,
Constantin Doru,
Hamon Cyrille
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.202101869
Subject(s) - materials science , nucleation , nanotechnology , nanomaterials , microfluidics , scattering , crystallization , monoclinic crystal system , chemical physics , chemical engineering , crystallography , optics , crystal structure , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , engineering
Organizing nanoparticles (NPs) into periodic structures is a central goal in materials science. Despite progress in the last decades, it is still challenging to produce macroscopic assemblies reliably. In this work, the analysis of the pervaporation‐induced organization of gold octahedra into supercrystals within microfluidic channels using a combination of X‐ray scattering techniques and FIB‐SEM tomography is reported. The results reveal the formation of a single‐domain supercrystal with a monoclinic C2/m symmetry and long‐range order extending over the dimensions of the microfluidic channel, covering at least 1.7 × 0.3 mm 2 . Time‐resolved small angle X‐ray scattering analysis shows that the formation of the superlattice involves an accumulation of the NPs within the channel before the nucleation and growth of the supercrystal. The orientation of the crystal remains unchanged during its formation, suggesting a growth mechanism directed by the channel interface. Together, these results show the potential application of the pervaporation strategy to providing spatially determined control over NP crystallization, which can be used for the rational fabrication of nanomaterial architectures.