3. Nano-objects*

They are the building blocks of the materials of the future. They may consist of an assembly of atoms such as a cluster, a metallic nanoparticle or the elementary stage of a mineral combination, etc. Often, they may be a molecule specifically synthesized to obtain a particular property: optical, magnetic, electrical, mechanical, chemical (catalysis), etc. Often, it may be a molecule specifically synthesized to obtain a particular property: optical, magnetic, electrical, mechanical, chemical (catalysis, separation), etc. In all cases, the property must be precise, measurable and controllable: the synthesis of the nano-object must be focused on the desired property.

Clearly, not all molecules and aggregates will be nanomaterials. Nano-object synthesis needs to be thought through in terms of properties, even if in the exploratory phase these properties are only potential....