Definition
Self-assembly of nanostructures is a process where atoms, molecules or nanoscale building blocks spontaneously organize into ordered structures or patterns with nanometer features without any human intervention. It is the most promising practical low-cost and high-throughput approach for nanofabrication.
The Concept of Self-Assembly
The term “self-assembly” can be understood from its two components. The first component “self” implies “spontaneous and on its own,” which suggests that it is a process that happens without human intervention or operation from outside of the system. The second component “assembly” indicates “forming or putting together,” which suggests that the result is a structure built up by lower level building blocks or parts. Self-assembly of nanostructures refers to structures or patterns with nanometer features that form spontaneously from the basic building blocks such as atoms,...
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Lu, W. (2012). Self-assembly of Nanostructures. In: Bhushan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9751-4_274
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