Growth and Self-Assembly of Ultrathin Au Nanowires into Expanded Hexagonal Superlattice Studied by in Situ SAXS

We report the self-assembly of gold nanowires into hexagonal superlattices in liquid phase followed by in situ small-angle X-ray scattering and give new insights into their growth mechanism. The unprecedented large interwire distance of 8 nm strongly suggests the stabilization of the ultrathin gold nanowires by a ligand's double layer composed of oleylamine and oleylammonium chloride. The one-dimensional growth is discussed, opening perspectives toward the control growth and self-assemblies of metallic nanowires.