Self-controlled growth and two-dimensional ordering of metallic nanoparticles

The control of synthesis, stabilization, and organization of metallic nanoparticles is one of the most active subjects in condensed matter science because of possible applications in high performance technology. A route to prepare a collection of ordered nanoparticles in large quantities consists of using the original combination of soft chemistry and surface science. A metal thin film deposited onto a self-assembled two-dimensional silica bead array can restructure through annealing. Pure metallic nanoparticles do form in an ordered array offering the opportunity of studying properties of an individual nanoparticle, thanks to a natural amplifier effect.