CHAPTER 5
Intermolecular Interactions
and Self-Assembly
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
Nanostructures assemble, often spontaneously, from simple molecular
building blocks. It is therefore important to begin this chapter with a
discussion of the forces between such molecules. The types of noncovalent intermolecular interactions (for example, ion–ion, ion–dipole, dipole–
dipole, dipole-induced dipole, London forces, hydrogen bonds, and
electrostatic forces) will ultimately determine the degree and type of
intermolecular aggregation as well as the structure of the resulting
aggregate. Such interactions are examined in both bulk media and on
surfaces. This chapter concludes with some coverage on how the quantum
mechanical models discussed in Chapter 4 can be used to predict some
optical properties of nanomaterials. In particular, conjugation in simple
organic molecules is used to make important connections among
electronic structure, intermolecular interactions, and molecular selfassembly.
5.1 INTERMOLECULAR FORCES
AND SELF-ASSEMBLY
This section introduces selected fundamental physical ideas relating to
the assembly and properties of nanomaterials in order to provide a sufficient background for understanding subsequent chapters. Intermolecular interactions play a central role in surface chemistry and the process
of self-assembly, both of which affect the structure and properties of
nanomaterials. Such interactions also determine the properties of surfactants, influence adsorption phenomena, and even affect interactions
between molecules and electromagnetic radiation.
Intermolecular Interactions
and Self-Assembly
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
Nanostructures assemble, often spontaneously, from simple molecular
building blocks. It is therefore important to begin this chapter with a
discussion of the forces between such molecules. The types of noncovalent intermolecular interactions (for example, ion–ion, ion–dipole, dipole–
dipole, dipole-induced dipole, London forces, hydrogen bonds, and
electrostatic forces) will ultimately determine the degree and type of
intermolecular aggregation as well as the structure of the resulting
aggregate. Such interactions are examined in both bulk media and on
surfaces. This chapter concludes with some coverage on how the quantum
mechanical models discussed in Chapter 4 can be used to predict some
optical properties of nanomaterials. In particular, conjugation in simple
organic molecules is used to make important connections among
electronic structure, intermolecular interactions, and molecular selfassembly.
5.1 INTERMOLECULAR FORCES
AND SELF-ASSEMBLY
This section introduces selected fundamental physical ideas relating to
the assembly and properties of nanomaterials in order to provide a sufficient background for understanding subsequent chapters. Intermolecular interactions play a central role in surface chemistry and the process
of self-assembly, both of which affect the structure and properties of
nanomaterials. Such interactions also determine the properties of surfactants, influence adsorption phenomena, and even affect interactions
between molecules and electromagnetic radiation.