The design, fabrication and characterization of controlled-morphology nanomaterials and functional planar molecular nanocluster-based nanostructures

New nanofabrication methods based on the monolayer techniques, biomimetic principles, interface reactions and interactions have been developed. The formation and deposition of the mixed Langmuir monolayers composed of inert amphiphile matrix and guest ligand-stabilized metal-core nanocluster molecules allowed to obtain ordered stable reproducible planar monomolecular nanocluster-based nanostructures on solid substrates. The decomposition of similar metal–organic precursor compounds in the mixed Langmuir monolayers at the gas–liquid interface resulted in the initiation of two-dimensional growth of inorganic nanoparticles in the plain of monolayer. Gold and iron-containing nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by scanning probe microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Effect of external applied field on the shape of two-dimensionally grown magnetic nanoparticles was observed. Effects related to discrete electron tunneling were observed in the monolayer structures of nanocluster molecules and gold nanoparticles at room temperature using STM.