Spatial control of chemistry on the inside and outside of inorganic nanocrystals

The ability to make inorganic nanocrystals of controlled size, shape, and composition is well-established for some elements and compounds, butby no means has been generalized to the entire periodic table. A new paper in this issue of ACS Nano offers a route to explore more of the periodic table with increased control over both composition and position for inorganic nanostructures. This Perspective provides a snapshot of the major challenges in controlling the positions of atoms and molecules both in the cores and on the surfaces of inorganic nanocrystals.