Array of molecularly mediated thin film assemblies of nanoparticles: correlation of vapor sensing with interparticle spatial properties.

The ability to tune interparticle spatial properties of nanoparticle assemblies is essential for the design of sensing materials toward desired sensitivity and selectivity. This paper reports findings of an investigation of molecularly mediated thin film assemblies of metal nanoparticles with controllable interparticle spatial properties as a sensing array. The interparticle spatial properties are controlled by a combination of alpha,omega-difunctional alkyl mediators (X-(CH(2))(n)-X) such as alkyl dithiols, dicarboxylate acids, and alkanethiol shells capped on nanoparticles.