Formation of low-symmetric 2D superlattices of gold nanoparticles through surface modification by acid-base interaction

In the present work, a novel method was developed for the fabrication of 2D superlattices with different symmetries. Same-surface amino-functionalized Au nanoparticles as building blocks were self-assembled to form different 2D superlattices using surface modification with organic acids. The 2D superlattices of quasi-honeycomb and square structures were obtained by neutralizing amino-functionalized Au nanoparticles with 1,3,5-tribenzenecarboxylic acid and acetic acid, respectively. These results strongly suggest that the different types of 2D or 3D superlattices can be constructed by simple addition of proper acid to nanoparticles functionalized with amino groups. This method will allow us to obtain various desired metal superlattices without fully synthesizing the ligands.