Nanoparticle assembly for 1D and 2D ordered structures

Abstract

The skill to use new synthetic routes to assemble nanoparticles (NPs) into advanced architectures for specific functions is a big challenge for the researchers. Controlled morphologies designed for generating 1-dimensional (1D) and 2-dimensional (2D) structures inspired by nature are one of the hot topics in nanoscience. The unique properties of individual nanocrystals upon assembly also provide the opportunity to modulate or enhance the overall behavior of the nanomaterials. New synthetic approaches will be discussed to explore the ability of the NP (metallic, semiconductor and magnetic) assembly in various highly ordered superstructures. The mechanism of NP assembly (non-covalent or covalent) with itself or by targeting polymers and biomolecules as linkers will also be illustrated. The topics will include new methods for construction of 1D nanowires and 2D nanosheets by spontaneous dipole–dipole interactions, air–water interface assembly and specific interactions using polymer and bio-templates. Use of polymers as templates for generating arrays of NPs or biomolecules (for investigating the intrinsic behavior of DNA or proteins in the assembly) opens the possibility of designing novel devices and hybrid materials. Once the desired superstructures have been fabricated and characterized, the corresponding materials can be further investigated for optical, magnetic, electronic and sensor applications.