How the Level of Ordering of 2D Nanocrystal Superlattices Is Controlled by Their Deposition Mode

Here, we show that droplet deposition of 5 nm Ag nanocrystals induces the formation of two bidimensionnal arrays differing by their level of long-range ordering. This is valid for the alkanethiol/solvent combinations using decanethiol or dodecanethiol as the coating agent and hexane, octane, decane, or dodecane as the solvent to disperse the nanocrystals. The spacing between the nanocrystals does not diverge from one network to the other for a given combination but depends conversely on this combination. This is demonstrated by employing an intrinsic property of highly ordered Ag nanocrystals subjected to oxygen plasma and also classical methods usually used for this purpose.