Understanding of the major reactions in solution synthesis of functional nanomaterials

This review covers the major reactions involved in the solution synthesis of nanomaterials. It was designed to classify the traditional strategies such as precipitation, reduction, seed growth, etching, and so on into two basic processes which are termed as bottom-up and top-down routines. The discussion is focused on the basic mechanism and principles during the nucleation and growth of nanocrystals, especially in the solution system. This review also presents a prediction for how to utilize these intrinsic processes to artificially construct the desired specific and functional nanostructures. We try to describe the most directive and effective way to control the structures of nanocrystals for researchers who can master the major reaction mechanism and grasp the basic technologies in synthetic nanoscience.