Dewetting self-assembly of nanoparticles into hexagonal array of nanorings

Nanoparticles self-assembled into ring-shaped aggregates that were arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal pattern. This hierarchic pattern was prepared by casting a toluene solution composed of polystyrene (PS) and Ag nanoparticles (NP). Dewetting of the thin composite layer induced the mesoscopic hexagonal array of PS–NP droplets. Within each dried droplet (dot), Ag nanoparticles self-assembled into a spot- or a ring-shaped 2D superlattice alternatively depending on the size of the dot, which was controlled by the molecular weight of PS.

Graphical abstractDissipative dewetting followed by self-assembly of nanoparticles (NP). The dewetting of polystyrene–nanoparticle (PS–NP) solution induces an ordered array of PS–NP droplets where self-assembly produces nanorings.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide