Process of forming a multilayer nanoparticle-containing thin film self-assembly

A process of forming a multilayer nanoparticle thin film assembly, said process comprising:

• functionalizing a substrate with functional molecules;
• replacing a stabilizer located on a bottom surface of first nanoparticles with said functional molecules via surface ligand exchange to make a first nanoparticle layer on said substrate;
• replacing said stabilizer located on a top surface of said first nanoparticle layer with functional molecules via surface ligand exchange;
• replacing said stabilizer located on a bottom surface of second nanoparticles with said functional molecules via surface ligand exchange to make a second nanoparticle layer on said first nanoparticle layer;
• repeating said process to form additional nanoparticle layers;
• and
• thermally annealing said multilayer nanoparticle thin film assembly to control physical properties of the film.

A process of forming a multilayer nanoparticle assembly, said process comprising:

• coating a layer of functional molecules on a substrate;
• dipping said substrate in a solution containing nanoparticles to form a layer of said nanoparticles bound to said substrate by said functional molecules;
• repeating said coating and said dipping to form said multilayer nanoparticle assembly;
• annealing said multilayer nanoparticle assembly.