COLLOIDAL ASSEMBLIES USED AS TEMPLATES TO CONTROL THE SIZE, SHAPE ANDSELF-ORGANIZATION OF NANOPARTICLES

In this paper we show that the use of colloidal assemblies as template s favors the control of the size and shape of nanoparticles. As expect ed theoretically, the change in size and shape of copper metal nanosiz ed particles induces changes in their optical properties. Cylindrical copper metal particles having the same size and shape can be obtained in various regions of the phase diagram when the template is made of i nterconnected cylinders. Self-assembly of silver and silver sulfide na noparticles is reported. Monolayers of particles organized in a hexago nal network are formed over very large domains. Small or large aggrega tes can also be produced and, in these aggregates, the particles are h ighly organized and form pseudo-crystals with a face-centered cubic st ructure for various particle sizes.