Chapter 8 Interfaces, Bifaces, and Nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the construction and use of functional structures designed from atomic or molecular scale with at least one characteristic dimension measured in nanometers. Nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanoparticles, exhibit novel and significantly improved physical, chemical, and biological properties, phenomena, and processes because of their size. Functionalization of nanomaterials is one of the most active fields in nanotechnology. In natural systems, such as cells, nano-scale structures are formed at room temperature using the approach of self-assembly. Alignment of linear molecules in an ordered array on the surface of CNTs or nanoparticles (self-assembled monolayer and/or bilayer) can function as a new generation of nanomaterials for chemical and biological sensors. The developments of self-assembled lipid-CNTs nanocomposites and/or lipid-nanoparticle hybrids have opened research opportunities in studying hitherto unapproachable phenomena at interfaces and bifaces. Particular emphasis is directed to the use of lipid-functionalized CNTs as well as lipid-nanoparticle nanocomposites for sensors and biosensors and for the fabrication of photo switched-functional devices. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.