Single-molecule sensing and minimally invasive photothermal therapy are examples of theoretical applications that are becoming a reality because of nanoscale materials' extraordinary chemical and physical capabilities. However, the lack of a quick and reliable way to produce homogeneous nanoparticle monolayers necessary to fabricate devices has made it difficult to use these materials efficiently.
The South Korean Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) has developed a ground-breaking solution. A study team headed by assistant professor Hyeon-Ho Jeong and Ph.D. candidate Doeun Kim created a "mussel-inspired" nanoparticle assembly method based on natural phenomena. With just 10 seconds, this novel technique allows materials to be transferred from water to 2-inch wafers, forming two-dimensional monolayers with about 40% surface coverage. Their work represents a substantial breakthrough in nanoparticle assembly and was reported in Advanced Materials.
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