Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
2.5
Conclusion
In this chapter, recent developments in shape-controlled
nanostructures together with relevant protocols, working hypothesis,
and guiding principles have been presented. It is hoped that these state
of the arts can serve as valuable resource, allowing the fabrication
of rare earth nanocrystals with specific morphologies suitable in
the areas of electronics, photonics, catalysis, information storage,
sensing, imaging, and biomedical research and applications.
Morphology control of nanostructures and nanocrystals may
initially seem to have attracted widespread interests for fundamental
studies, but its goal has gone far beyond their aesthetic appeal. Shape
and surface of a nanocrystal determine not only its intrinsic physical
and chemical properties but also its relevance to electronic, optical,
catalytic, and magnetic applications.
However, the mechanism of the shape-controlled materials
synthesis is not well explored till date. The mechanism of size and
shape evolution should be elucidated for the design and planning
of nanostructures synthesis strategies. The development of
in situ
monitoring techniques such as optical and electrical measurements
is, therefore, important, providing opportunities to reveal the
underlying mechanisms in crystal nucleation and growth process.
Another way to achieve better understanding of nanocrystals
growth process is via molecular dynamics simulation. The
simulation of crystal growth behavior, surface effect induced phase,
morphology, and assembly of rare earth nanocrystals is essential
for the understanding of structural characteristics and morphology
evolution mechanisms.
Current shape-control strategies are highly dependent on
experimental trial-and-error approaches rather than systematic
synthetic strategies. The development of more versatile and reliable
yet simple synthetic schemes is crucial for tailoring the architecture
of nanocrystals with desired components. The knowledge gained
will enable further fine tuning of the size, shape, and surfaces
of nanocrystals. Another aspect for nanostructure fabrication is
to develop strategies to assemble novel nanocrystals of various
morphologies into nanodevices, which will be important in future
technologies such as fabrication of integrated nanodevices.
