Title: Creating functional nanostructured materials at the crossroad of physics, chemistry and materials science

Authors: Dejian Zhou, Dae-Joon Kang

Addresses: Nanoscience Centre, University of Cambridge, 11 J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK. ' Nanoscience Centre, University of Cambridge, 11 J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK; Sungkyunkwan Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Center for Nanotubes and Nanostructured Composites and Department of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 440 746, Korea

Abstract: Controlled assembly and manipulation of three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures with well-defined shapes, profiles and functionalities present a significant challenge to nanotechnology. In this paper we summarise our recent efforts in an attempt to solve this problem by developing a highly selective surface-templated layer-by-layer assembly, where top-down approaches such as soft lithography, focused-ion beam lithography and voltage-controlled nanopipet delivery are combined with bottom-up techniques like self-assembly, molecular recognition and layer-by-layer assembly to controllably deposit and grow 2D to 3D micro/nanostructures with functional materials. This opens up wide applications in highly sensitive biosensors, miniaturised assays, and functional 3D nano-assemblies and devices.

Keywords: nanostructure; self-assembly; monolayer; layer-by-layer assembly; soft lithography; nanopipet delivery; 3D; nano-assemblies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2005.008078

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2005 Vol.2 No.4, pp.440 - 468

Published online: 11 Nov 2005 *

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