Langmuir–Blodgett Transfer of Nanocrystal Monolayers: Layer Compaction, Layer Compression, and Lattice Stretching of the Transferred Layer

Grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) was used to study the structure and interparticle spacing of monolayers of organic ligand-stabilized iron oxide nanocrystals floating at the air–water interface on a Langmuir trough, and after transfer to a solid support via the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. GISAXS measurements of the nanocrystal arrangement at the air–water interface showed that lateral compression decreased the interparticle spacing of continuous films. GISAXS also revealed that Langmuir–Blodgett transfer of the nanocrystal layers to a silicon substrate led to a stretching of the film, with a significant increase in interparticle spacing.