Bottom-up fabrication relies on chemical processes and the principles of molecular engineering to create complex and functional nanostructures. The process generally involves the following steps:
Synthesis: Atoms and molecules are synthesized through chemical reactions. Self-Assembly: These synthesized molecules naturally arrange themselves into predetermined structures due to specific interactions like hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic forces. Stabilization: Once formed, these structures are often stabilized through additional chemical reactions or physical processes.
