Creation of interfaces in composite/hybrid nanostructured materials using supercritical fluids

Abstract By structuring matter at the nano level using highly versatile nanotechnology approaches and apparatus, multifunctionalities with manifestation of enhanced and/or novel useful properties could be attained. The challenges in nanoengineering are the ability to tune the nano-object characteristics (size, distribution, composition, and surface chemistry) and to have a good control on the possible synergy created at the interfaces, especially in the case of complex multifunctional materials. Surface nanoengineering goes hand in hand with the creation of interfaces between nano-objects – either inorganic or hybrid ones – and a closer look in this direction is essential. The present review aims at presenting the possibilities of surface nanoengineering by versatile approaches, namely supercritical fluids processes. Two main routes of nanostructuration, each containing three concepts, will be discussed: supercritical fluid chemical deposition performed in batch mode and continuous supercritical fluid synthesis. Both approaches can be used to access interesting materials with desired properties, with the choice of process depending on what the readers are pursuing.