From Inception to Innovation: 20 Years of Nanoarchitectonics

Although nanotechnology was founded in the 20th century, the term nanoarchitectonics was first coined at the turn of the 21st century. Therefore, nanoarchitectonics has a history of about 20 years. In this review article, we will provide an overview of nanoarchitectonics through examining some research examples on manipulation-based nanoarchitectonics of atoms and molecules, layered nanoarchitectonics, and nanoarchitectonics at liquid interfaces.

Abstract

The term “nanoarchitectonics” emerged as the 21st century approached, and it has been in use for around 20 years. We here look back accomplishments of nanoarchitectonics. However, this review will explore several typical topics and their trends instead of a comprehensive description in a chronicle-like manner. Atomic switches and local probe chemistry handle basic-level nanoarchitectonics involving atomic/molecular manipulations. Even within these typical approaches to nanoarchitectonics, the latest research focuses on artificial intelligence. Innovation is also coming to fundamental nanoarchitectonics. Nanoarchitectonics of two-dimensional (2D) and layered materials are characterized by their potential for various practical applications. This lends nanoarchitectonics a sense of innovation with a view to practical applications. Nanoarchitectonics at liquid interfaces have broad applicability to a range of systems, from simple molecules to complex biological systems. The ability to control molecular structure through macroscopic movements that can be used for mass production paves the way for nanoarchitectonics to be applied in industry. The number of papers claiming to be in this field has increased significantly in recent years, as has the scope of its applications. Given these limitless advancements, one might say that nanoarchitectonics is a method for everything in materials science.

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