New dimensionality classifications of nanostructures

Various all possible kinds of nanostructures are classified using dimensionality of the nanostructures themselves (k = 0, 1, 2, 3) and their components (l, m, n = 0, 1, 2, 3). Designation of the nanostructures is proposed, namely, kDlmn ..., k > l, m, n. Some restricted set of nanostructures classes was found possible to build from the constituting elementary blocks, namely, the zero-dimensional (OD) clusters and particles, one-dimensional (1D) nanotubes and nanowires, 2D nanoplates and layers. Tables of 36 main classes of nanostructures with more than 30 size effects are presented, that in couple with materials characteristics enable us to predict qualitatively the possible properties of nanostructured materials and nanoarchitectured nanodevices. Concept of the nanostructured forms engineering is suggested extending a concept of the impurity, structure, and grain-boundary engineering in nanotechnology. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.