Development of new materials through the assembly of nanoparticles

Abstract

Self-assembly of nanoparticles has become increasingly complex on both experimental and theoretical levels. Synthetic methods and the diversity of available building blocks, have contributed to better control and prediction of the spatiotemporal distribution of nanoparticles on solid substrates or in a liquid phase. The innovation perspectives are shifting today from the bottom-up fabrication of solid-state devices for electronics to life-inspired systems with spatiotemporal features. This article disscusses two main trends in nanoparticle selfassembly – static and dynamic - with the aim to draw the picture toward future directions.