Kinetically controlled crystallization for synthesis of monodispersed coordination polymer nanocubes and their self-assembly to periodic arrangements.

Under control: A new concept for synthesizing monodispersed coordination polymer (CP) nanoparticles is established. By utilizing a chelating agent that is coordinated to the metal ions, the subsequent coordination process between metal ions and ligands is controllable (see figure). The obtained nanocubes with uniform sizes can be self-assembled into periodically ordered arrangements. This phenomenon is useful for sensing applications, such as those with responsive photonic crystals.