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.

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

One‐Dimensional Plasmon Coupling by Facile Self‐Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles into Branched Chain Networks

and strategies for the assembly of particle structures classified on the basis of their dimensionality. We survey the potential areas of application of the structures assembled from particles, and discuss why the technological potential of these structures is at present largely unrealized. Many of the challenges in the area of nanocolloidal assembly relate to the development of assembly processes that are scalable, controllable, rapid, and inexpensive. The power and versatility of colloidal-particle assemblies are best illustrated by the vast number of structures and strategies for their fabrication reported in the literature. A convenient way to classify the majority of the colloidal assemblies could be based on their dimensionality and degree of ordering ‐ three, two, one-dimensional, or independent clusters. In order to evaluate the ease and precision of the controlled fabrication of such materials, we also need to analyze in each case the physical principles by which a certain structure is assembled. The assembly can be accomplished by an extensive array of techniques based on numerous physical mechanisms. A survey of a few major groups of methods that have found use in the controlled assembly of particles into materials with well-organized and defined microstructures is presented in Table 1. The goal of these techniques is to collect the particles,

Materials Fabricated by Micro- and Nanoparticle Assembly ― The Challenging Path from Science to Engineering

Nanoparticles are the focus of much attention due to their astonishing properties and numerous possibilities for applications in nanotechnology. For realising versatile functions, assembly of nanoparticles in regular patterns on surfaces and at interfaces is required. Assembling nanoparticles generates new nanostructures, which have unforeseen collective, intrinsic physical properties. These properties can be exploited for multipurpose applications in nanoelectronics, spintronics, sensors, etc. This review surveys different techniques, currently employed and being developed, for assembling nanoparticles in to ordered nanostructures. In this endeavour, the principles and methods involved in the development of assemblies are discussed. Subsequently, different possibilities of nanoparticle-based nanostructures, obtained in multi-dimensions, are presented.

Jinhong Liu

Papers

Linear aggregation of gold nanoparticles in ethanol