Nanoscale possible applications

Advanced characterization of the structure, properties and function of the self-assembled precursor can be extrapolated from studies on the more robust crosslinked material, especially in changing or challenging environments, in which the assemblies would not remain intact. The introduction of crosslinks has aided in the maintenance of native conformations as a powerful technique during studies to determine the order and structure of biological assemblies [61, 62], Moreover, the robust characteristics that the crosslinks provide, combined with the ability to define their regioselectivity, are expected to expand the realm of possible applications for nanoscale materials. 

In recent years much effort has been spent on the development of experimental techniques to grow well defined nanoscale materials, due to their possible applications in nanometric electronic devices. Indeed the creation of nanowire field effect transistors [128-132], nano-sensors [133,134], atomic scale light emitting diodes and lasers [135,136], has been made possible by the development of new techniques, which allow one to control the growth processes of nanotubes, nanowires and quantum dots. Of particular importance, among the different atomic scale systems experimentally studied, are... 

Ligands with chains of carbon atoms that have cumulated (consecutive) double bonds, designated cumulenylidene ligands, are also known. Such metallacumulene complexes have drawn interest because of possible applications as 1-dimensional molecular wires and for nse in nanoscale optical devices. In recent years, complexes with 2- and 3-carbon chains have also been developed as effective catalysts. Metallacumulene complexes with carbon chains containing three or more atoms have recently been reviewed. ... 

Without question, our modem nanotechnology revolution was catalyzed by the mid-1980s discovery of carbon nanoclusters known as fullerenes e.g., Cgo, C70, Cg4, The 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Richard Smalley, Robert Curl, and Sir Harold Kroto for this discovery, which focused the worldwide spotlight on unique nanoscale materials and their possible applications. To date, the... 

The photoinduced nanoscale changes at the molecular level induced by light (photoisomerization of the photochromic molecule) are amplified by the cooperative effect of the liquid crystal molecules with the conformation of the polymer chain. The macroscopic movement of these materials, which is characteristic for crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers, strongly correlates with the mesogen alignment. Since such polymer materials can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, it is possible to drive components remotely and without direct contact. No wires, electrodes, motors, or gears are necessary. Possible applications are micro actuators and microfiuidic devices. 

Many other opportunities exist due to the enormous flexibility of the preparative method, and the ability to incorporate many different species. Very recently, a great deal of work has been published concerning methods of producing these materials with specific physical forms, such as spheres, discs and fibres. Such possibilities will pave the way to new application areas such as molecular wires, where the silica fibre acts as an insulator, and the inside of the pore is filled with a metal or indeed a conducting polymer, such that nanoscale wires and electronic devices can be fabricated. Initial work on the production of highly porous electrodes has already been successfully carried out, and the extension to uni-directional bundles of wires will no doubt soon follow. 

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