The use of surface-active agents in the preparation and assembly of quantum-sized nanoparticles

This overview summarises the use of surface-active agents for preparation of nanoparticles. It starts with description of the nanotechnology vision. Nanoparticle products are exemplified by using solid-state processes, e.g. for the production of ceramics or catalysts, as well as colloidal processes whereby the use of surface-active agents plays a major role. Several examples are given in the review, e.g. use of coordination ligands and nanoparticle self-assembly. The process of control of nanoparticle shape and its modulation is briefly described and examples are given to demonstrate such control.