Nanoarchitectonics Revolution and Evolution: From Small Science to Big Technology

Abstract

Along with the progresses of material syntheses, the importance of structural regulation is realized to rationally improve the efficiencies and specificities in target functions. Small science is necessary for advanced material systems. A novel concept, nanoarchitectonics, to combine nanotechnology with the other scientific disciplines to synthesize a functional material system with contributions of small objects, nano-units, is recently proposed. Based on facts and knowledge in nanoscale objects explored by nanotechnology, functional material systems are constructed using nano-units with the aid of the other research fields, such as organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and biology. The introduction of nanoarchitectonics essences to material construction can produce unusual functional systems, such as brain-like information processing based on atomic-level reactions, diffusions, and aggregations. Probe-tip-mediated organic reactions are also possible with precise site selectivity. The coupling of equilibrium self-assemblies and non-equilibrium fabrication processes results in variously structured and hierarchical functional structures even from simple 0D nano-units such as fullerenes. Especially, interfacial nanoarchitectonics directly bridge nanoscopic functions and macroscopic actions, including facile contact with nanostructures and living cells. This review article overviews nanoarchitectonics from origin to future, from atoms to materials, and from small science to big technology.