Bulk synthesis and surface patterning of nanoporous metals and alloys from supraspherical nanoparticle aggregates

Supraspheres (SS) composed of hundreds to thousands of metal nanoparticles (NPs) and crosslinked by dithiol linkers are assembled into larger structures, which are subsequently converted into nanoporous metals (NMs). Conversion is achieved by heating which removes organic molecules stabilizing the NPs and allows for NP fusion. Heating of SS solutions leads to NMs of overall macroscopic dimensions; localized radiation using collimated electron beam is used to prepare metallized surface micropatterns. Depending on the composition of supraspherical precursors, nanoporous materials composed of up to three metals can be obtained. Strategies for controlling pore size and nanoscale surface roughness of these materials are discussed.