Large-scale assembly of single-crystal silver nanoprism monolayers

The synthesis of single-crystal silver nanoprisms with modest-to-excellent control over prism edge length and thickness was investigated by using photochemical methods. The structures can be used as building blocks in a rapid, large-scale particle surface assembly scheme. Silver nanoprisms were prepared by irradiating an aqueous solution of silver nanoparticles with light at two wavelengths, 550±20 nm and 340±5 nm. The Ag-nanoprism-coated substrate was dried in air, an interesting blue-to-red color change was observed. The approach provided an access to a variety of substrates with adjustable optical changes that can be observed by the naked eye. When the approach is coupled with lithographic methods for defining adhesion sites, it showed the possibility to control the spacing and orientation of such structures over large areas. The results shows that proper surface modification can effect face-selective prism assembly as opposed to edge-on assembly.