Connecting the underlying chemical processes with the growth and emergent form remains unsurmountable problem in life sciences [0]. In materials research, the current outlook is more optimistic. Establishing such connection, from the basic interatomic forces to growing nanostructure shape and properties becomes a real possibility. We will discuss several important examples of current interest including theory of carbon nanotubes chirality [1], growth and morphology of graphene [2] and other important 2D-materials [3], including the shape of equilibrium or growing islands, polycrystallinty and grain boundaries, and the unexpected functionality they bring about in electronics, magnetism, energy storage, and catalysis.
[0] On Growth and Form, by D'Arcy W. Thompson (Cambridge U, 1917).
[1] F. Ding et al. PNAS 106, 2506 (2009);
R. Rao et al. Nature Mater. 11, 213 (2012);
Q. Yuan et al. PRL 108, 245505 (2012);
V. Artyukhov et al. Nature Comm. (2014) DOI:10.1038/ncomms5892.
[2] Y. Liu et al. PRL 105, 235502 (2010); V. Artyukhov et al., PNAS 109, 15136 (2012);
Y. Hao et al. Science, 342, 720 (2013).
[3] X. Zou et al. Nano Lett. 13, 253 (2013);
Z. Zhang et al., ACS Nano, 7, 10475 (2013);
S. Najmaei et al., Nature Mater. 12, 754 (2013).