Formation of nano-objects and their assemblies
The objective of theme A is to gain an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of nucleation, growth and ripening of nanoparticles and their assemblies in 1D, 2D and 3D. It is also about establishing rules allowing a predictive synthesis approach, in order to:
(a) propose development strategies for optimized control of the structural characteristics of already known nanostructures,
(b) synthesize new nanostructures.
The approach proposed in NINO is based on highlighting the interdependence between molecular chemistry, surface chemistry and interfaces, and the effects of the choice of reagents and experimental conditions on the mechanisms of nanostructure formation by different methods. This involves, among other things, optimizing homogeneity (size, shape, composition), and improving stabilities (structural, chemical and colloidal).
We also wish to identify, through examples, “typical” transformations and extract some general application rules (galvanic displacement, ion exchange, oxidation, etc.) for different types of nanostructures. We will identify the differences and common points between methods for synthesizing the same type of nanostructure and also between methods for synthesizing different types of nanostructures.
The objective is to better understand the formation mechanisms (nucleation and growth) and the limits of the main synthesis methods currently developed and, if possible, establish generic rules for the development of inorganic nanostructures in solution. This strategy will allow us to develop and highlight new synthesis routes for the development of new/complex, hybrid or even multimaterial nanostructures. This work requires complete control of the development process starting from the choice of molecular precursors and experimental parameters while including the choice of stabilizing agents for interface control.