nanocapsules, nanostructured alloys and polymers, nanoporous solids and DNA
chips. What is also noteworthy is that chemists have synthesized molecular entities
of nanometric dimensions. In Figure 1.6, we show a two-dimensional crystalline
array of thiolized metal nanocrystals to illustrate self-assembly.
1.3
Techniques
The emerging nanoworld encompasses entirely new and novel means of investigating structures and systems, besides exploiting the well known microscopic,
diffraction and spectroscopic methods. Species as small as single atoms and molecules are manipulated and exploited as switches. Computer-controlled scanning
probe microscopy enables a real-time, hands-on nanostructure manipulation.
Nanomanipulators have also been designed to operate in scanning and transmission electron microscopes. A nanomanipulator gives virtual telepresence on the
Fig. 1.3. A plot of the average electronic
energy level spacing (Kubo gap, d) of sodium
as a function of the particle diameter. Also
shown is the percentage of sodium atoms at
the surface as a function of particle diameter
[From P. P. Edwards, R. L. Johnston and
C. N. R. Rao, in Metal Clusters in Chemistry,
ed. P. Braunstein et al., John Wiley, 1998.].
1.3 Techniques 5
chips. What is also noteworthy is that chemists have synthesized molecular entities
of nanometric dimensions. In Figure 1.6, we show a two-dimensional crystalline
array of thiolized metal nanocrystals to illustrate self-assembly.
1.3
Techniques
The emerging nanoworld encompasses entirely new and novel means of investigating structures and systems, besides exploiting the well known microscopic,
diffraction and spectroscopic methods. Species as small as single atoms and molecules are manipulated and exploited as switches. Computer-controlled scanning
probe microscopy enables a real-time, hands-on nanostructure manipulation.
Nanomanipulators have also been designed to operate in scanning and transmission electron microscopes. A nanomanipulator gives virtual telepresence on the
Fig. 1.3. A plot of the average electronic
energy level spacing (Kubo gap, d) of sodium
as a function of the particle diameter. Also
shown is the percentage of sodium atoms at
the surface as a function of particle diameter
[From P. P. Edwards, R. L. Johnston and
C. N. R. Rao, in Metal Clusters in Chemistry,
ed. P. Braunstein et al., John Wiley, 1998.].
1.3 Techniques 5