| Institution: | 1. Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371 Singapore;2. State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387 P. R. China;3. Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371 Singapore
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634 Singapore;4. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798 Singapore |
| Abstract: | In nanoparticle self-assembly, the current lack of strategy to modulate orientational order creates challenges in isolating large-area plastic crystals. Here, we achieve two orientationally distinct supercrystals using one nanoparticle shape, including plastic crystals and uniform metacrystals. Our approach integrates multi-faceted Archimedean polyhedra with molecular-level surface polymeric interactions to tune nanoparticle orientational order during self-assembly. Experiments and simulations show that coiled surface polymer chains limit interparticle interactions, creating various geometrical configurations among Archimedean polyhedra to form plastic crystals. In contrast, brush-like polymer chains enable molecular interdigitation between neighboring particles, favoring consistent particle configurations and result in uniform metacrystals. Our strategy enhances supercrystal diversity for polyhedra comprising multiple nondegenerate facets. |
