Nanometer-Scale Architecture Using Colloidal Gold

New approaches to control the size and shape of colloidal Au nanoparticles, to tune interparticle spacing in two-dimensional Au nanoparticle arrays, and to prepare three-dimensional colloidal Au arrays exhibiting bulk-like optical and electrical properties are described. These studies derive their motivation from two sources. The first is very fundamental: progress is needed on numerous aspects of nanoparticle particle self assembly. The second is very applied: the nanostructure of noble metal films dictates a variety of exploitable bulk properties. In both cases, Au nanoparticles comprise a useful model system.