Nicholas A. Kotov talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's Emerging Research Front in the field of
Chemistry.
Article: Spontaneous organization of single CdTe
nanoparticles into luminescent nanowires
Authors: Tang,
ZY;Kotov
, NA;Giersig, M
Journal: SCIENCE, 297 (5579): 237-240 JUL 12 2002
Addresses: Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Chem, Stillwater, OK
74078 USA.
Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Chem, Stillwater, OK 74078
USA.
Hahn Meitner Inst Berlin GmbH, Phys Chem Abt, D-15109
Berlin, Germany.
(addresses may have been truncated.)
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
The paper shed light on a new property of nanoparticles, which was not
previously known: the ability to self-organize under the influence of local
interactions between the particles. As it turned out, this property
determines the behavior of particles in many solutions.
Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or
synthesis of knowledge?
"The process described in the
paper can significantly simplify the manufacturing of
nanowires..."
The paper describes the process of self-organization of particles in the
chain under the influence of dipole-dipole interactions between them and
the subsequent recrystallization of the chain in nanowires. This is a
unique process that opens up a new methodology for building up nanoscale
systems.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper in
layman’s terms?
The process described in the paper can significantly simplify the
manufacturing of nanowires. It also highlights the similarity between the
behavior of inorganic particles and proteins, the building blocks of live
matter.
How did you become involved in this research and were
any particular problems encountered along the way?
We were looking for new methods to make highly luminescent nanoparticles.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
Establishing the general analogy in the behavior of proteins and
nanoparticles can lead to multiple new directions in both science and
biomedicine. As such, one can anticipate new drugs based on the existence
of biocompatible nanoparticles.
Do you foresee any social or political implications for
your research?
Not immediately, which is probably a good thing for the further development
of this work.
Nicholas Kotov, Ph.D.
Professor
University of Michigan
Department of Chemical Engineering
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Keywords: nicholas a. kotov, single cdte nanoparticles,
luminescent nanowires, dipole-dipole interactions, biocompatible
nanoparticles, chemistry, research fronts, emerging