Shape Complementarity Modulated Self-Assembly of Nanoring and Nanosphere Hetero-nanostructures
Na Li, Fan Wu, Zihong Han, Xiaofeng Wang, Yi Liu, Chenglin Yi, Shunsheng Ye, Guowei Lü, Li Yu, Zhihong Nie, Baoquan Ding
Abstract
Shape complementarity is of paramount importance in molecular recognition, but has rarely been adopted in the self-assembly of colloidal particles, especially in the case of nanoparticles of different shapes. Here, we demonstrated a simple, yet powerful strategy for fabricating gold nanoring-based heterogeneous nanostructures (AuNR-HNs) with well-defined geometries and high yield. The assembly of various geometries of AuNR-HNs is modulated by the shape complementarity of plasmonic nanorings and nanospheres. We also present experimental evidence of dark quadrupolar ring mode excitation in AuNR-HNs through single-particle optical measurements. Our strategy will be beneficial in the study of nanoparticle assembly, photonic element interaction, and the development of plasmon-based optical devices.