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Self-assembly and transformation of hybrid nano-objects and nanostructures under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions

Nature Materials volume 8, pages 781–792 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Understanding how chemically derived processes control the construction and organization of matter across extended and multiple length scales is of growing interest in many areas of materials research. Here we review present equilibrium and non-equilibrium self-assembly approaches to the synthetic construction of discrete hybrid (inorganic–organic) nano-objects and higher-level nanostructured networks. We examine a range of synthetic modalities under equilibrium conditions that give rise to integrative self-assembly (supramolecular wrapping, nanoscale incarceration and nanostructure templating) or higher-order self-assembly (programmed/directed aggregation). We contrast these strategies with processes of transformative self-assembly that use self-organizing media, reaction–diffusion systems and coupled mesophases to produce higher-level hybrid structures under non-equilibrium conditions. Key elements of the constructional codes associated with these processes are identified with regard to existing theoretical knowledge, and presented as a heuristic guideline for the rational design of hybrid nano-objects and nanomaterials.

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Figure 1: Present approaches to the construction and organization of discrete hybrid nano-objects under equilibrium conditions.
Figure 2: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of hybrid nano-objects produced by integrative self-assembly.
Figure 3: Nanostructure templating of hybrid nano-objects.
Figure 4: Higher-order assembly of nanoscale hybrid objects.
Figure 5: Non-equilibrium spontaneous assembly of hybrid nanostructures.
Figure 6: | Structural morphogenesis of hybrid nano-objects into higher-order forms under non-equilibrium conditions.

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  1. Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, BS8 1TS, Bristol, UK

    Stephen Mann

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Mann, S. Self-assembly and transformation of hybrid nano-objects and nanostructures under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Nature Mater 8, 781–792 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2496

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