One‐Dimensional Assemblies of Nanoparticles: Preparation, Properties, and Promise

Abstract

Nanoparticle (NP) assemblies are of considerable interest for both fundamental research and applications, since they provide direct bridges between nanometer‐scale objects and the macroscale world. Unlike two‐dimensional or three‐dimensional NP assemblies, which have been extensively studied and reviewed, reports on one‐dimensional (1D) NP assemblies are rather rare, even though these assemblies are likely to play critical roles in the improvement of the efficiencies of various electronic, optoelectronic, magnetic, and other devices based on single NPs or their composites. Additionally, 1D assemblies of NPs, i.e., chains, can significantly help in the understanding of a number of biological processes and fundamental quantum mechanics of nanometer‐scale systems. The difficulties are very evident when one wants to realize anisotropic 1D assemblies from presumably isotropic, zero‐dimensional NPs. In this context, the authors present a systemic review of current research on 1D NP assemblies. Their preparation methods are classified and novel characteristics of NP chains, such as collective properties and directional transfer of photons, electrons, spins, etc., are elucidated. Current problems underlying the fundamental research and practical applications of 1D NP assemblies are also addressed.

Ultrathin Nanowires—A Materials Chemistry Perspective

“…l) HRTEM image of gold nanowires grown via a micellar mechanism. [54] Reproduced with permission from [4]. Reproduced with permission from [39,49].…”

“…[4,71] This methodology has some unique features, such as the constancy of the nanowire diameter during growth, and the similarity with polymerization reactions, in which monomers are added to the tip of the growing polymer. [72] The attachment is usually driven by the formation of a permanent or temporary electric (or magnetic) dipole in each nanocrystal.…”

“…This paper attempts to summarize the very recent chemical breakthroughs that have allowed the production of ultrathin nanowires, often in solution, and often in gram-scale quantities. By no means is this a comprehensive coverage of the field, which can in part be found in other excellent reviews, [1,2,[4][5][6] but a selection of those contributions that we feel would most help put this emerging field in perspective. We will review the various synthetic strategies, their pros and cons, and we will give our best guesses as to the future directions of the field and what we can expect from it.…”

Formation of gold nanoparticles in polymeric nanowires by low-temperature thermolysis of gold mesitylene

“…1 The formation of gold nanoparticle chains has turned out to be particularly challenging. Silica nanowires containing gold nanoparticle chains were obtained under the harsh conditions of vapour-liquid-solid (VLS) growth.…”

Gold nanoparticle wire and integrated wire array for electronic detection of chemical and biological molecules

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Prior to integrating various functional nanoparticles into electronic and photonic devices and catalytic reactions, the development of techniques for the precise control of the spatial arrangement of the building blocks on the nanometer and sub-nanometer levels is crucial to the design and fabrication of advanced devices. [8][9][10][11] The assembly of colloidal nanoparticles into functional structures is an exiting area of research for potential nanotechnology applications. 12 Recently, the assembly of particles of nanometer size has attracted significant interest for applications such as sensors and nanocoating.…”