Assembly and Processing of One-Dimensional Subnanomaterials

1D subnanomaterials (SNMs), encompassing nanowires and nanobelts with a diameter or thickness approximate to the size of a single unit cell, possess the inherent functionality of inorganic materials, polymer-analogue properties, intrinsic order, and multilevel interactions. These distinctive characteristics establish 1D SNMs as highly processable building blocks, offering significant advantages for the fabrication of advanced materials, including polarization materials, organogels, photothermal conversion devices, fluorescent materials, stimuli-responsive platforms, and catalysis. This paper summarizes assembly methods, including self-assembly, wet-spinning, electrospinning, directional coating, freezing-casting and Langmuir-Blodgett technique, which facilitate the integration of 1D SNMs into free-standing fibers, films, and 3D assemblies without polymeric additives. In contrast to rigid and fragile traditional inorganic materials, 1D SNMs-based assemblies are flexible and resilient with multifunctionality. Current research focuses on developing 1D SNMs with dynamic characteristics, stimuli-responsiveness, enhanced mechanical properties, and recyclability, promising further improvements in the aforementioned functional materials. Additionally, advancing large-scale, automated assembly and processing techniques is a key research emphasis.