Current and future applications of nanoclusters

This article deals with some recent developments in metal and in semiconduc ting nanocluster science, Our studies on the properties, mainly of metal na noclusters, with respect to future and also to current applications are rev iewed, including a series of unpublished results, The general properties of metal clusters of one up to a few nanometers are discussed on the basis of numerous physical investigations in the course of the last few years. Quan tum size effects open the door to novel future technologies. The success of future applications of nanoclusters will strongly depend on the availabili ty of three-, two- or one-dimensionally organized materials. Our own very r ecent results are promising, but also indicate that much more work will be necessary. Much more realistic is the use of metal nanoclusters in heteroge neous catalysis. Finally, novel developments in generating semiconducting n anomaterials in transparent, nanoporous alumina membranes are discussed. Cd S and GaN can easily be prepared inside the pores to give photoluminescent foils of unlimited size.