Controlled self-assembly of nanoparticles into ordered structures is a major step in fabricating nanotechnology based devices. Here, we report on the self-assembly of high quality superlattices of nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions induced via interpolymer complexation. Using small angle X-ray scattering, we demonstrate that the NPs crystallize into superlattices of FCC symmetry, initially driven by hydrogen bonding and subsequently by van der Waals forces between the complexed coronas of hydrogen-bonded polymers. We show that the lattice constant and crystal quality can be tuned by polymer concentration, suspension pH and the length of polymer chains. Interpolymer complexation to assemble nanoparticles is scalable, inexpensive, versatile and general.
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This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Journal of Physical Chemistry C, copyright © American Chemical Society after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b09647. Posted with permission.