journal article·2026-02Open access

Well‐Defined Nanostructures: Concept, Impact and Perspective

Ningxiang Wu, Weidong Shi, Wenxin Wang, Yong Lei

Small· Volume 22· Issue 12

Abstract

Abstract Well‐defined nanostructures (WDNSs) represent a transformative frontier in nanotechnology, enabling precise control over material properties through nanoscale engineering. The connectivity of nanoscale building blocks is increasingly critical in defining the properties and applications of WDNSs. Traditional dimensionality‐based classifications provide foundational insights but overlook the delicate influence of connectivity architectures on functionality. This perspective introduces a supplementary classification framework based on connectivity modes, including discrete connections, serial connections, 2.5D connections, and 3D interpenetrations. Each category defines specific structural configurations that decide the spatial arrangement, interaction dynamics, and functional integration of nanoscale components. This framework establishes a unique perspective for understanding WDNSs, linking their structural design with diverse applications in catalysis, energy storage, biomedicine, and beyond. By regulating connectivity strategies with emerging functional demands, WDNSs offer considerable opportunities for designing multifunctional materials, providing a foundation for advancing nanotechnology in addressing complex scientific and societal challenges. Finally, advanced rational design, accurate synthesis, comprehensive deployment, and sustainable development remain critical to addressing bottlenecks in WDNSs development.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: MXene and MAX Phase Materials · Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques · Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Environmental & Chemical Engineering Jiangsu University of Science and Technology Zhenjiang Jiangsu 212003 P. R. China

Fachgebiet Angewandte Nanophysik Institut für Physik & IMN MacroNano Technische Universität Ilmenau 98693 Ilmenau Germany

College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering Harbin Engineering University Harbin 150001 P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Chinesisch-Deutsche Zentrum für Wissenschaftsförderung · Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

References (58)

Show source-provided references
1. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c0063710.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00637 ↗
2. 10.1002/aenm.20200153710.1002/aenm.202001537 ↗
3. 10.1002/EXP.2023003610.1002/EXP.20230036 ↗
4. 10.1016/j.jiec.2023.08.04110.1016/j.jiec.2023.08.041 ↗
5. 10.1002/adma.20231146010.1002/adma.202311460 ↗
6. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c0051410.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00514 ↗
7. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c0070510.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00705 ↗
8. Baig N. · · 2021 · 2 · 1821
9. 10.1016/j.mseb.2022.11600510.1016/j.mseb.2022.116005 ↗
10. 10.1002/admi.20230085610.1002/admi.202300856 ↗
11. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c0089610.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00896 ↗
12. 10.1038/s41565-021-01045-510.1038/s41565-021-01045-5 ↗
13. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c0036910.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00369 ↗
14. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c0050210.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00502 ↗
15. 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.02510.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.025 ↗
16. 10.1016/j.msec.2006.09.02310.1016/j.msec.2006.09.023 ↗
17. 10.1002/nano.20230003810.1002/nano.202300038 ↗
18. 10.1002/admt.20220016310.1002/admt.202200163 ↗
19. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c0008110.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00081 ↗
20. 10.1016/j.jafr.2023.10054110.1016/j.jafr.2023.100541 ↗
21. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b0008810.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00088 ↗
22. 10.1039/D2NR05316K10.1039/D2NR05316K ↗
23. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c0000910.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00009 ↗
24. 10.3390/ijms2510541410.3390/ijms25105414 ↗
25. 10.1021/acsnano.4c0870810.1021/acsnano.4c08708 ↗
26. 10.1002/adom.20230201010.1002/adom.202302010 ↗
27. 10.1007/s12274-024-6809-910.1007/s12274-024-6809-9 ↗
28. 10.1038/s41467-024-53407-x10.1038/s41467-024-53407-x ↗
29. 10.1038/s41467-024-46745-310.1038/s41467-024-46745-3 ↗
30. 10.1038/s41467-022-30137-610.1038/s41467-022-30137-6 ↗
31. Wang B. · Angew. Chem. · 2024 · 13610.1002/ange.202406693 ↗
32. 10.1038/s42003-024-06043-610.1038/s42003-024-06043-6 ↗
33. 10.1002/smll.20220082410.1002/smll.202200824 ↗
34. 10.1038/s41467-023-43963-z10.1038/s41467-023-43963-z ↗
35. 10.1038/s41467-024-49319-510.1038/s41467-024-49319-5 ↗
36. 10.1038/s41467-024-46987-110.1038/s41467-024-46987-1 ↗
37. 10.1038/s41467-024-52359-610.1038/s41467-024-52359-6 ↗
38. 10.1038/s41467-023-37268-410.1038/s41467-023-37268-4 ↗
39. 10.1038/s41893-024-01300-210.1038/s41893-024-01300-2 ↗
40. 10.1002/smll.20220150810.1002/smll.202201508 ↗
41. 10.1038/s41565-023-01394-310.1038/s41565-023-01394-3 ↗
42. 10.1038/s41467-024-51687-x10.1038/s41467-024-51687-x ↗
43. 10.1002/aesr.20220020410.1002/aesr.202200204 ↗
44. 10.1002/sstr.20210022110.1002/sstr.202100221 ↗
45. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c0050710.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00507 ↗
46. 10.1038/s41467-024-54215-z10.1038/s41467-024-54215-z ↗
47. 10.1021/jacs.3c0992710.1021/jacs.3c09927 ↗
48. 10.1038/s41563-024-01827-x10.1038/s41563-024-01827-x ↗
49. 10.1038/s41929-024-01126-310.1038/s41929-024-01126-3 ↗
50. 10.1007/s42242-024-00293-310.1007/s42242-024-00293-3 ↗
51. 10.1038/s44160-024-00622-510.1038/s44160-024-00622-5 ↗
52. 10.1038/s41467-024-53871-510.1038/s41467-024-53871-5 ↗
53. 10.1038/s41557-023-01277-z10.1038/s41557-023-01277-z ↗
54. 10.1126/science.abh438010.1126/science.abh4380 ↗
55. 10.1038/s41467-022-30873-910.1038/s41467-022-30873-9 ↗
56. 10.1038/s41467-024-46774-y10.1038/s41467-024-46774-y ↗
57. 10.1002/ange.20210567810.1002/ange.202105678 ↗
58. 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c0007010.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00070 ↗