Abstract

Small nanoparticles, metal clusters, zero dimensional materials and quantum dots are just a few of the names that historically are used to describe the nanometer and sub-nanometer quantum objects that the cluster community of physicists, chemists and material scientists have been studying for almost half a century. With ever better performing synthesis methods and a broad range of advanced experimental and theoretical approaches available nowadays, the dream of atom by atom design of properties of small clusters and nanoparticles is becoming a reality. Detailed fundamental understanding of a broad range of metal, semiconductor and oxide clusters and nanoparticles is within reach, and novel applications are emerging in, e.g., energy, catalysis, biomedicine, electronics and photonics. The 2019 Gordon Research Conference on Clusters and Nanostructures will focus on the intimate interplay between experiment and theory for exploring and exploiting various properties and functionalities of clusters, nanoparticles, and assembled nanostructures. The conference will provide a forum for presentation and discussion of new fundamental and technological developments in this interdisciplinary field. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches throughout the meeting will stimulate the emergence of new research topics and enable innovative applications of nanoscience.