TY - JOUR A1 - Tirrell, M. V. A1 - Katz, A. T1 - Self-assembly in materials synthesis N2 - The synthesis of materials via self-assembly typically involves the spontaneous and reversible organization,of small building blocks for the purpose of creating conglomerate assembly structures over larger length scales. This introductory article, describes self processes on several length scales, from subnanometer, up to millimeter scales, and briefly summarizes some of the incredible diversity of materials that exhibit self-assembly. Articles in this issue cover self-assembly using zeolitic structures, organic molecular crystals; block copolymers, surfactants, mesoscale templates, and soluble. crystallization additives Y1 - 2005 SN - 0883-7694 ER -