Silver Nanoparticle Monolayer-to-Bilayer Transition at the Air/Water Interface as Studied by the GISAXS Technique: Application of a New Paracrystal Model

• DOI: 10.1021/la301577a
• Publication Date: 2012-06-05T09:05:29Z
• Authors: K. Vegso; P. Siffalovic; M. Jergel; M. Weis; M. Benkovicova; E. Majkova; S. Luby; T. Kocsis; I. Capek
• Keywords: Grazing-incidence small-angle scattering

An original diffraction model for the analysis of grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) from nanoparticle Langmuir films was developed. This relies on concept 2D hexagonal paracrystal and employs distorted-wave Born approximation that is relevant GISAXS measurements at air/water interface when angle incidence close to critical value. The comprises cases close-packed monolayer bilayer with AB-type layer stacking. In this way, both lateral (along interface) vertical (normal correlations positions can be analyzed. applied an in situ study formation a silver film during compression Langmuir-Blodgett trough. Spherical nanoparticles 5.8 ± 0.6 nm diameter were employed. Different stages starting submonolayer up collapse via analyzed terms mean interparticle distance, degree disorder, interlayer layer-stacking type as well ratio between coverage final film. developed applicable any formed air/liquid extract structural parameters nanoscale. particular results obtained have direct implications preparation plasmonic templates "hot spots" surface-enhanced Raman scattering.