Surface atoms can be modified through various chemical and physical methods to tailor the properties of nanomaterials. Chemical functionalization involves attaching functional groups to the surface atoms, which can alter their reactivity, solubility, and biocompatibility. Physical deposition techniques such as sputtering and electron beam evaporation can be used to coat nanoparticles with a thin layer of a different material, thereby changing their surface properties. Such modifications are critical for applications in electronics, photonics, and biotechnology.
