Nanoarchitectonics beyond Self-Assembly: Challenges to Create Bio-Like Hierarchic Organization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Traditional self-assembly has limitations in creating complex, functional hierarchical structures.
• Incorporating non-equilibrium processes offers a pathway to enhanced functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nanoarchitectonics as a methodology for fabricating bio-like hierarchical functional materials.
• To review the application of non-equilibrium factors in self-assembly processes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing nanoarchitectonics, which fuses nanotechnology with other disciplines.
• Applying non-equilibrium factors to directed assembly, Langmuir-Blodgett assembly, and layer-by-layer assembly.
• Fabricating hierarchical structures using bioactive components and nanomaterials.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated fabrication of hierarchical functional structures.
• Showcased the use of proteins and 2D nanomaterials in composite assemblies.
• Highlighted the potential of non-equilibrium strategies for advanced material design.

Conclusions:

• Nanoarchitectonics offers a powerful approach beyond self-assembly for creating higher functionalities.
• Non-equilibrium processes are key to achieving bio-like hierarchical organization in materials.
• This strategy enables the development of advanced functional materials with hierarchical structures.