TOPICAL REVIEW: Challenges and breakthroughs in recent research on self-assembly
Abstract
The controlled fabrication of nanometer-scale objects is without doubt one of the central issues in current science and technology. However, existing fabrication techniques suffer from several disadvantages including size-restrictions and a general paucity of applicable materials. Because of this, the development of alternative approaches based on supramolecular self-assembly processes is anticipated as a breakthrough methodology. This review article aims to comprehensively summarize the salient aspects of self-assembly through the introduction of the recent challenges and breakthroughs in three categories: (i) types of self-assembly in bulk media; (ii) types of components for self-assembly in bulk media; and (iii) self-assembly at interfaces.
Invited paper.- Publication:
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Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
- Pub Date:
- January 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1088/1468-6996/9/1/014109
- Bibcode:
- 2008STAdM...9a4109A