Strategies for dispersing, assembling, and orienting nanorods in polymers

Nanorods composed of either noble metals or semiconducting materials have shape anisotropy that imparts nanocomposites with unique optical and electrical properties. This review describes methods for dispersing nanorods within a polymer host, which itself can self-assemble, and controlling nanorod self-assembly, spacing and orientation. In addition, applications of aggregated morphologies are discussed with an emphasis on their use in sensing applications.

► Both aggregated and dispersed nanorod morphologies are desirable for applications.
► The target morphology is dependent upon the physical properties needed for the application.
► Nanorods can be spatially organized within polymers with block copolymer templates.
► External fields can be applied to obtain long range ordering of nanorods.
► Processing conditions can influence long range ordering and need to be considered.