What is the Role of Steric Effects in Self-Assembly?
Self-assembly is a process where molecules spontaneously organize into well-defined structures. Steric effects can drive or hinder this process by influencing the orientation and packing of the molecules. For example, in the fabrication of nanostructures, steric hindrance can prevent certain configurations while promoting others, leading to the formation of desired structures such as nanowires, nanorods, or nanospheres.
