Self-assembly of semiconductor nanocrystals

Chemisorption of semiconductor clusters onto metal surfaces using difunctional self-assembled monolayers as adhesion layers has been demonstrated for the first time. This opens up new possibilities in the area of self-organization, where atomic clusters and even larger crystals may successfully self-assemble on functionalized surfaces. The results of Alivisatos et al. suggest that their cluster monolayers are not perfect; however, they add an exciting new dimension to self-organization phenomena. The generation of robust, closely packed SH surfaces, as well as monodispersed CdS particles, may be required for the formation of high quality, closely packed cluster monolayers. Such monolayers will enable studies of intercluster interactions (e.g., electron transfer), and may be important for molecular electronics applications. Of course, CdS clusters on thiolated surfaces represent just one possibility. Other systems should be studied so that comprehensive principles for designing cluster monolayers can be established.