End-to-end assembly of shape-controlled nanocrystals via a nanowelding approach mediated by gold domains

A general and simple approach in a liquid solution for the end-to-end assembly of various shape-controlled semiconductor nanocrystals, such as bullets, rods, and tetrapods, through a nanowelding approach mediated by gold domains, was reported. The reaction of Au-tipped nanorods with I2 leads to the formation of nanorod chains, in which the branching points are introduced wherever a Au domain is able to link more than two nanorod tips. On tetrapods, the welding of Au domains induce the organization of tetrapods into complex networks that could be extended up to several square micrometers. The reaction of Au-tipped nanocrystals with iodine is followed by a slight recovery of the original nanocrystal emission. The results show that the coalescence of the gold particles at the nanocrystal tips is the cause of nanocrystal assembly.