Assembly of Nanoparticles: Towards Multiscale Three-Dimensional Architecturing

Abstract

Fundamental building block in nanotechnology is the nanoparticle and currently many excellent techniques are available to control its size, morphology and crystalline phase at mass quantity. However, the practical realization of novel nanodevices employing nanoparticles requires the construction of multiscale three-dimensional buildings consisting of the basic building block, nanoparticles, particularly as an ordered array, which remains challenging. In this review, we address various methodology developed for the assembly of nanoparticles by classifying them depending on manipulating force. Methods utilizing electric, capillary, and magnetic forces are discussed. Ion assisted aerosol lithography(IAAL) that utilizes ion induced focusing concept will be described in more detail since it provides an opportunity for multiscale multidimensional assembly of nanoparticles in a parallel fashion at atmosphere.