Organic Templates for Inorganic Nanocrystal Growth

Abstract

Nanocrystals provide a variety of size and shape-dependent properties with applications in a wide range of areas, gaining much attention in the past few years. However, due to the nature of the kinetic nanocrystal growth, the procedures often require strict experimental conditions and the shape and size of nanocrystals are difficult to control. In such context, organic templates, which are artificially modified or synthesized, can direct inorganic nanocrystal nucleation and growth to achieve desired shape, size and ultimately properties. In this review article, two general categories of organic templates used for making inorganic nanomaterials are discussed: biotemplates (e.g., peptide, lipid, DNA, and capsid) and block copolymer templates (e.g., block copolymer micelles, star-like block copolymer unimicelles). The goal of this review is to bridge these gaps and help foster a greater awareness of the range and applicability of different organic templating techniques within the field of nanotechnology.