Self-Assembled Magnetite Mesocrystalline Films: Towards Structural Evolution from 2D to 3D Superlattices

This study describes synthesis and detailed characterization of 2D and 3D mesocrystalline films produced by self-assembly of iron oxide (magnetite) truncated nanocubes. The orientational relations between nanocrystals within the superlattice are examined and atomistic models for a detailed description of the structures of the 2D and 3D mesocrystals are introduced. The most efficient space filling within the 3D superstructure is achieved by changing the orientational order of the nanoparticles and following the “bump-tohollow” packing principle. These data provide a fundamental understanding of a mesocrystal formation mechanism and their structural evolution. Structure, composition and magnetic properties of the synthesised nanoparticles are also characterized.