Supracrystals are highly symmetrical ordered superstructures built up from nanoparticles via self-assembly. While the NP assembly has been intensively investigated, the formation mechanism is still not understood. To shed some light onto the formation mechanism, we are using one of the most common supracrystal morphologies, the trigonal structures, as a model system to investigate the formation process in solution. To explain the formation of the trigonal structures and determining the size of the supracrystal seeds formed in solution, we introduce the concept of substrate-affected growth. Furthermore, we show the influence of the NP concentration on the seed size and extend our investigations from Ag towards Au. 1.

Supracrystals are highly symmetrical ordered superstructures built up from nanoparticles via self-assembly. While the NP assembly has been intensively investigated, the formation mechanism is still not understood. To shed some light onto the formation mechanism, we are using one of the most common supracrystal morphologies, the trigonal structures, as a model system to investigate the formation process in solution. To explain the formation of the trigonal structures and determining the size of the supracrystal seeds formed in solution, we introduce the concept of substrate-affected growth. Furthermore, we show the influence of the NP concentration on the seed size and extend our investigations from Ag towards Au. 1.