Dynamic nanocrystal superlattices mediated by Hofmeister effect ligands
Abstract
Surface functionalization of colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) with ion-specific polymeric ligands enables programmable modulation of ligand hydrophilicity–hydrophobicity via the Hofmeister effect. This control drives NC rearrangement and reorientation, triggering a directed topological transformation from glassy aggregates into thermodynamically favorable, close-packed nanocrystal superlattices with high crystallinity.