Linking and manipulation of gold multinanoparticle structures using dithiols and scanning force microscopy

Rigid nanoscale 2D structures of up to four individual gold nanoparticles were formed by using bifunctional organic molecules (dithiols) in combination with scanning force microscopy manipulation. These structures can be either precisely translated by mechanical pushing across the surface or rotated about a specific axis. Experimental results are presented that show how simple geometric shapes can be manipulated and assembled to form more complicated structures. The nanoparticles were linked either by (i) forming a multiparticle structure and subsequent treatment with dithiols or by (ii) pushing together individual particles, which were treated with dithiols prior to manipulation.