Physical insights on self-assembly at an atomic level

Abstract

As part of the dynamic process for transforming disordered into ordered structures, it is very important to understand the mechanism and rule of self-assembly during the study of assembling functional units into materials and even devices. In this work, by understanding the atomic mechanism of self-assembly, its advantages in terms of precision and reliability are discussed, as well as the basic role of atomic-level physics in grasping the rules and so on. The typical image of self-assembly is that of the phenomena occurring in nature, such as the replication of DNA or the synthesis of proteins. From a deeper physical point of view, it corresponds to intermolecular and intramolecular interactions. Therefore, the basis of self-assembly is atomic-level physics, and the process involves dynamic evolution. Furthermore, we extend the possible direction of development of self-assembly based on a physical perspective and propose its development for composite functions and extreme conditions. On the other hand, we also extend the development of basic atomic research, with self-assembly as an important objective, and put forward ideas for theoretical simulation methods involving quantum first-principles and empirical force fields. It is hoped that this work will contribute to strengthening the linkage between atomic-level physics and the self-assembly technology and the related basic and applied research across different disciplines. Finally, the study on self-assembly can promote technical ability, which represents an important development trend in the future, and play a useful role in not only related industrial chains but also economic and social development. Typically, the need for self-assembly in itself gives further guidance to the basic or applied research at the atomic level. In order to further enhance the self-assembly related capabilities, understanding the mechanism of interactions in such complex systems will be a valuable research direction in the long term. At the dawn of the 21st century, the academic community foresaw the rapid development of life science. However, how do you grasp such a big development trend concretely? It should be mentioned that atomic level self-assembly is a representative aspect that deserves our focus and has profound connotations and extensions. A combination of these capabilities, including the basic sciences of physics, chemistry, life, and the related applied sciences, will ensure that the self-assembly technology moves steadily from foundation to application, i.e., from the laboratory to factory production lines. Such a development will affect the industrial chain, and even bring in new vitality to our economy and society. It is also a reflection of the ability of physics and other basic sciences to promote the development of our society.