The present invention is directed to a method for depositing unpatterned
or selectively patterned nanoparticle films of controlled thickness on
the respective film deposition surface of each of a pair of electrodes.
In the present method, a pair of electrodes, each having a conducting
film deposition surface, are immersed in a non-conducting nonpolar
solvent in which nanoparticles, each having ligands attached thereto, are
suspended. A voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes thereby causing
films of the nanoparticles to deposit on the respective film deposition
surface of each of the pair of electrodes. The nanoparticle films formed
by the present method may be unpatterned or they may be patterned by
patterning the conducting film deposition surface of at least one
electrode of the pair of electrodes. The nanoparticle films formed
according to the method of the present invention are useful as layers in
electronic devices.