3. Main molecules studied in nanoscience

Three major families of molecules are currently being studied in the field of nanotechnology:

• Organic molecules

  The properties of these molecules are modulated by control of their architecture, which is chosen a priori by the synthesis chemist according to the structural (thread, paving) or physicochemical (catalysis, fluorescence, electronic conduction, etc.) properties required. As a result, there is a very large number of molecules that can be used. The study of isolated molecules requires mastery of molecule/substrate interaction to avoid their destruction or the formation of molecular aggregates. Obtaining organized layers involves not only controlling molecule/substrate interactions, but also molecule/molecule interactions via covalent or supramolecular bonds.

• ...