Facile control of the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles by changing the capping agent structures

- The assembly process of gold nanoparticles is controlled by surfactant structures.
- The distribution fashion of capping agent is the key factor for the gold nanochains.
- Systems with mixed nonionic surfactants were further investigated.
- The different capping fashions transform gold nanochains into single nanoparticles.
- The diverse capping fashions interpret the different stabilities of nanostructures.