Binary cooperative complementary nanoscale interfacial materials *

Binary cooperative complementary nanoscale interfacial materials, i.e, materials with two complementary properties on the nanoscale, are introduced as a new concept for the design of functional materials. The concept is based on the generation of nanostructures with mutually compensating properties on the surface of a solid. Under certain coordinating conditions, unexpected properties may often appear at these kinds of interfaces, creating a huge potential for applications and theoretical research. Recent research indicates that the binary cooperative complementary concept is extremely useful for the design and creation of nanoscale functional materials.