Superlattices with non-spherical building blocks

[Display omitted] ▶ Non-spherical nanocrystals display much more variety of assembly patterns. ▶ Nanocubes usually pack in “simple cubic superlattice” pattern. ▶ The assembly patterns of nanooctahedra, nanoplates, and nanorods are complex and sensitive. ▶ Novel properties are being developed for these non-spherical superlattices. Self-assembly of nanocrystals has been a subject of comprehensive studies including preparation, characterization and manipulation. In this paper, we summarize recent research reports in self-assembled superlattices consisting of non-spherical nanocrystals such as nanocubes, nanooctahedra, nanorods and nanoplates, and discuss their superstructures. Compared with spherical nanocrystals which are randomly oriented when being assembled into a superlattice, the non-spherical nanocrystals can form more abundant and complex superlattices and may offer certain enhanced characteristics with their anisotropic assemblies. In each type of faceted shape, synthesis, superlattice structure as well as formation conditions are discussed. With a brief review of novel properties generated from non-spherical superlattices, this article aims to provide an outline of various shape-induced superlattices that could serve as potential new device metamaterials in future.