Control of interdot space and dot size in a two-dimensional gold nanodot array

Experimental studies on the control of the interdot space and the dot size in a self-organized two-dimensional array of gold colloidal nanoparticles encapsulated by alkanethiol are presented. We succeeded in fabricating an ordered close-packed monolayer of gold nanodots of 5 nm as well as 10 nm in diameter. In addition, by changing the length of the alkanethiol molecules, close-packed gold nanodot monolayers with different interdot spaces were formed. The results of this study indicate a linear relationship between the interdot space and the length of the alkanethiol molecule, which demonstrates that the interdot space can be easily controlled by altering alkanethiol molecules.