By controlling the size and organization of objects, the physical chemist can modulate a substantial number of their properties. To illustrate this variety, some of these Size-Properties dependencies will first be described in this seminar (interaction with light, mechanical resistance, kinetics, etc.) along with some applications/consequences (e.g. the Ultramicroscope). Taking advantage of the Size/Organization/Properties relationship implies a strong ability to control and design objects, which can be envisaged by :
- the use of suitable synthesis methods (e.g. fullerenes, nanotubes) ;
- the individual manipulation of atoms or groups of atoms, which can then be arranged and studied on demand (e.g.: Scanning Tunneling Microscopy) ;
- drawing inspiration from the living world (e.g. nanomotors).
In addition to an illustrated description of these three general principles and their main applications, a number of prospective orientations will be discussed.
