(405a) Simulation-Based Design of Nanoscale Building Blocks for Self- Assembly: The Shapes of Things to Come

An unprecedented array of novel particle shapes with controllable interactions has become possible in recent years due to breakthroughs in synthesis and fabrication techniques. These particles are poised to become the "atoms" and "molecules" of tomorrow's materials if we can predict and control their assembly into useful structures. In this talk we discuss recent progress in the field, address opportunities and challenges in identifying unifying principles for assembly, and discuss the role of computer simulation in providing critical guidance for nanoparticle design and assembly.