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Generation of Scalable, Metallic High-Aspect Ratio Nanocomposites in a Biological Liquid Medium
Published on: July 8, 2015
By what means should nanoscaled materials be constructed: molecule, medium, or human?
Katsuhiko Ariga1, Xianluo Hu, Saikat Mandal
1World Premier International Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan. ARIGA.Katsuhiko@nims.go.jp
Nanoscale
|July 21, 2010
Summary
Controlling self-assembly is key for applying nanoscience and nanotechnology. This review explores molecular and nanomaterial self-assembly influenced by media and external stimuli for creating nanoscaled materials.
Area of Science:
- Nanoscale Science and Technology
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- The practical application of nanoscience and nanotechnology relies on constructing macroscopic materials with nanoscale structural features.
- Self-assembly of molecular and nanomaterial units is a primary method for creating these nanoscale structures.
- Controlling the self-assembly process is essential for fabricating desired nanoscaled materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of recent research in self-assembly for nanoscaled material fabrication.
- To categorize and illustrate different approaches to controlling self-assembly processes.
- To establish general guidelines for the design and synthesis of materials with nanoscale structural characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Review and categorization of existing research on self-assembly.
- Analysis of self-assembled structures based on intrinsic molecular interactions.
- Examination of self-assembly influenced by environmental factors, particularly interfaces.
- Investigation of self-assembly modulation through artificial operations and external stimuli.
Main Results:
- Self-assembled structures can be primarily dictated by inherent molecular or nanomaterial interactions.
- The surrounding medium, especially interfacial environments, significantly influences self-assembly outcomes.
- External stimuli and artificial operations offer effective means to modulate and control self-assembly processes.
- The review includes examples from organic, inorganic, and hybrid material systems.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and controlling self-assembly is fundamental for advancing nanoscience and nanotechnology applications.
- A multifaceted approach considering intrinsic interactions, media effects, and external stimuli is crucial for designing nanoscaled materials.
- The presented research highlights diverse strategies for fabricating advanced materials with tailored nanoscale features.
