Controlling the Shape of Organic Nanostructures: Fabrication and Properties

Abstract

Given the rapid advances in the fabrication of nanostructures composed of inorganic materials, scientists have in recent years sought new methods for the fabrication of nanostructures composed of organic molecules. Organic nanostructures are promising for applications ranging from drug delivery to photomechanical actuation. This chapter will survey the methods used for producing organic nanostructures (nanoparticles, nanorods, nanotubes, nanowires), with attention focused on the use of hard templates for the fabrication of organic nanostructures with well-defined shapes and dimensions. The unique properties and applications of these organic nanostructures will be reviewed. Keywords: molecular crystals; nanowires; photomechanical response; anthracene; organic nanostructures; AAO templates