ABSTRACT
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Nonetheless, it should be pointed out that nanoscience and nanotechnology are still in their infancy. Aer the discovery of nanoclusters and their study, the next step to consider is their assembly to form a solid, but strategic cooperative research is needed before their full potential can be realized. e importance of nanoclusters as building blocks can hardly be underestimated, as it will enable us to create new solid phases by using rational designs. Nanoclusters are characterized for having distinct properties from bulk, mainly due to two factors: high surface-to-volume ratio and quantum con-nement eects. is second eect appears when the wavelength of the electrons is in the order of the size of the material in which lie, and the quantum eects rule the behavior and properties of the system. As a result electrons are conned in a small region of space, modifying the optoelectronic properties of the nanocluster. Since the properties vary with the size and composition, in principle, they could be tailored at will. en, it is expected that solids made of clusters will own novel and tunable properties too. is fact broadens the horizon of possibilities of obtaining a wide range of materials and to create new polymorphs with the desired features.
