Quantum size colloids: from size-dependent properties of discrete particles to self-organized superstructures

Size quantization effects occurring in nanometer-sized semiconductor and metal particles lead to a variety of novel size-dependent properties. Lately, preparation techniques have been developed which allow a gram scale synthesis of single crystalline nanoparticles with narrow size distributions and unique surface properties. There have also been recent findings concerning changes of structure and dynamics with decreasing particle size along with spectroscopic and transport measurements on individual nanoclusters. The possibility to build up complex ordered superstructures has been demonstrated utilizing self-organization processes of the particles.