Synthesis of quasi-hexagonal ordered arrays of metallic nanoparticles with tuneable particle size

Quasi-hexagonal ordered arrays of noble-metal nanoparticles are synthesized by block copolymer micelle nanolithography (BCML) and electroless deposition. Two approaches are discussed to uniformly grow surface-deposited gold, platinum, and palladium nanoparticles independent of interparticle spacing (see figure). The geometrical order of the particles is preserved by either embedding them into a monolayer of alkylsiloxane molecules or using micelles as a stabilizing template.