Self-lubricating nanoparticles: self-organization into 3D-superlattices during a fast drying process

Fluorinated tetraethylene glycol-stabilized Au nanoparticles (FTEG-AuNPs) were well-dispersed in general polar organic solvents, such as methanol (MeOH) and THF. The cast film of FTEG-AuNPs on a TEM grid and a glass substrate was found to form a highly ordered 3D-superlattice assembly, whereas tetraethylene glycol-stabilized AuNPs (TEG-AuNPs) provide an amorphous AuNP aggregation. These data indicate that the fluorine feature on the surface of the FTEG-AuNPs is critical for the nanostructured assembly.