Elastic properties of close-packed, free-standing nanoparticle arrays.
Nanoparticle superlattices are hybrid materials composed of close-packed inorganic particles separated by short organic spacers. Most work so far has concentrated on the unique electronic, optical and magnetic behavior of these systems. Here, we demonstrate that they also possess remarkable mechanical properties. We focus on two-dimensional arrays of close-packed nanoparticles and show that they can be stretched across micrometer-size holes. The resulting free-standing monolayer membranes extend over hundreds of particle diameters without crosslinking of the ligands or further embedding in polymer. To characterize the membranes we measured elastic properties with force microscopy and determined the array structure using transmission electron microscopy. For dodecanethiol-ligated 6-nm-diameter gold nanocrystal monolayers, we find a Young's modulus of the order of several GPa. This remarkable strength is coupled with high flexibility, enabling the membranes to bend easily while draping over edges. The arrays remain intact and able to withstand tensile stresses up to temperatures around 370 K. The purely elastic response of these ultrathin membranes, coupled with exceptional robustness and resilience at high temperatures should make them excellent candidates for a wide range of sensor applications.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- UC-ANL Consotium for Nanoscience Research; NSR-MRSEC; MRSEC REU
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 958535
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/CNM/JA-59573
- Journal Information:
- Nature Mater., Journal Name: Nature Mater. Journal Issue: 2007 Vol. 6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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