This book reveals unique transport phenomena and functionalities in topological insulators coupled with magnetism and superconductivity. Topological insulators are a recently discovered class of materials that possess a spin-momentum-locked surface state. Their exotic spin texture makes them an exciting platform for investigating emergent phenomena, especially when coupled with magnetism or superconductivity. Focusing on the strong correlation between electricity and magnetism in magnetic topological insulators, the author presents original findings on current-direction-dependent nonreciprocal resistance, current-induced magnetization reversal and chiral edge conduction at the domain wall. In addition, he demonstrates how the coupling between superconductivity and topological surface state leads to substantial nonreciprocal resistance. The author also elucidates the origins of these phenomena and deepens readers' understanding of the topologically nontrivial electronic state. The book includes several works which are published in top journals and were selected for the President's Award by the University of Tokyo and for the Ikushi Prize, awarded to distinguished Ph.D. students in Japan.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. The chapter "Lignin-Based Composite Materials for Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics" is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 License via link.springer.com.

Fossil fuels comprise the accumulation of prehistoric biomass that was energised by sunlight, and formed by earth system dynamics. Fossil fuels can be conceptualized as stored energy stocks that can be readily converted to power flows, on demand. A transition from a reliance on stored energy stocks, to renewable energy flows, will require a replication of energy storage by technological devices and energy conversion methods. Most analyses of energy storage focus solely on the economic-technical properties of storage within incumbent energy systems. This book broadens the scope of the study of storage by placing it within a broader, historical, biophysical framework. The role and value of storage is examined from first principles, and framed within the contemporary context of electrical grids and markets. The energy-economic cost of electrical storage may be critical to the efficacy of high penetration renewable scenarios, and understanding the costs and benefits of storage is needed for a proper assessment of storage in energy transition studies. This book provides a starting point for engineers, scientists and energy analysts for exploring the role of storage in energy transition studies, and for gaining an appreciation of the biophysical constraints of storage.

This book presents the most recent description of rubber reinforcement, focusing on the network-like structure formation of nanofiller in the rubber matrix under the presence of bound rubber. The resultant filler network is visualized by electron tomography applied to rubber. In the case of natural rubber, the self-reinforcement effect is uniquely functioning, and new template crystallization is suggested. Here, the crystallites are also believed to arrange themselves in a network-like manner. These results are of great use, particularly for engineers, in designing rubber reinforcement.

This book summarizes and records the recent notable advances in diverse topics in organic crystal chemistry, which has made substantial progress along with the rapid development of a variety of analysis and measurement techniques for solid organic materials. This review book is one of the volumes that are published periodically on this theme. The previous volume, published in 2015, systematically summarized the remarkable progress in assorted topics of organic crystal chemistry using organic solids and organic-inorganic hybrid materials during the previous 5 years, and it has been widely read. The present volume also shows the progress of organic solid chemistry in the last 5 years, with contributions mainly by invited members of the Division of Organic Crystal Chemistry of the Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ), together with prominent invited authors from countries other than Japan.

Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics An introduction to one of the fundamental tools in chemical research--spectroscopy and photophysics in condensed-phase and extended systems Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics comprehensively covers radiation-matter interactions for molecules in condensed phases along with metallic and semiconductor nanostructures, examining optical processes in extended systems such as metals, semiconductors, and conducting polymers and addressing the unique optical properties of nanoscale systems. The text differs from others through its emphasis on the molecule-environment interactions that strongly influence spectra in condensed phases, including spectroscopy and photophysics of molecular aggregates, molecular solids, and metals and semiconductors, as well as more modern topics such as two-dimensional and single-molecule spectroscopy. To aid in reader comprehension, the text includes case studies and illustrated examples. An online manual with solutions to the problems in the book is available to all readers on a companion website. Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics begins with an introduction to quantum mechanics that sets a solid foundation for understanding the text's subsequent topics, including: Electromagnetic radiation and radiation-matter interactions, molecular vibrations and infrared spectroscopy, and electronic spectroscopy Photophysical processes and light scattering, nonlinear and pump-probe spectroscopies, and electron transfer processes Basic rotational spectroscopy and statistical mechanics, Raman scattering, 2D and single-molecule spectroscopies, and time-domain pictures of steady-state spectroscopies Time-independent quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, group theory, radiation-matter interactions, and system-bath interactions Atomic spectroscopy, photophysical processes, light scattering, nonlinear and pump-probe spectroscopies, two-dimensional spectroscopies, and metals and plasmons Written for researchers and upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in physical and materials chemistry, Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics is a valuable learning resource that is uniquely designed to equip readers to solve a broad array of current problems and challenges in the vast field of chemistry.

This book discusses systematically the theoretical research and the applications of electrochemical oxygen reduction. Oxygen reduction reaction is a common issue in electrochemistry, but is also an important process involved in the field of energy, cryogenic fuel cells, metal-air cells, oxygen sensors and hydrogen peroxide preparation. This book is divided into 6 chapters; it starts with a description of dynamic mechanisms, followed by a detailed introduction on the related experimental methods and related catalyst preparation technology. By providing the basic methods and testing techniques, and by demonstrating their applications, it helps readers gain a better understanding of oxygen reduction reactions, making it a valuable resource for the industrialization of scientific research achievements. Accordingly, the book appeals to a broad readership, particularly graduate students, those working at universities and research organizations, and industrial researchers.

This book presents selected articles from the 2nd International Conference on Nanomaterials and Advanced Composites, which brings together leading researchers and professionals from academia and industry to present their findings and provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and future collaboration. The book covers eight topics, including nanomaterials, polymer materials, mechanical materials, materials chemistry, materials physics, ceramics, recycling materials and green composites.

This book presents an overview of recent academic and industrial research efforts concerning halogen-free flame-retardant (FR) polymers and their nanocomposites. It summarizes the synthesis methods for various types of halogen-free FR polymers and their nanocomposites, and critically reviews their flame-retardant behavior, toxic-gas evolution during combustion, and inhibition methods. In turn, the book discusses the importance of metal oxide nanoparticles, nanoclay, and graphene in flame inhibition and addresses the FR properties of various FR compounds containing polymers, their FR mechanisms, and fire toxicant releasing and inhibition methods in detail. It systematically covers the synergetic effects between different FR compounds, and explains the significance of thermal stability and melt dripping for polymers' FR properties. The fundamental concepts described here are essential to understanding the FR behaviors of various polymers and their nanocomposites, and to developing efficient, environmentally friendly FR polymers and nanocomposites for a wide range of applications. This book is ideally suited for researchers in the fields of polymer science and engineering, and for graduate students in chemistry and materials science.

Global warming and its effects are felt and understood by almost every one across the globe now. Carbon footprint calculation and mitigation in different industrial sectors is the need of the hour. There are numerous industrial sectors, whose carbon footprints need to be calculated and the ways to mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions from those sectors need to be started with immediate effect. This book highlights case studies involving the carbon footprints of municipal solid waste, sustainable road transport and Carbon footprint accounting of sources and sinks by studying carbon sequestration of Karnataka, a state in India.

The revised edition gives a comprehensive mathematical and physical presentation of fluid flows in non-classical models of convection - relevant in nature as well as in industry. After the concise coverage of fluid dynamics and heat transfer theory it discusses recent research. This monograph provides the theoretical foundation on a topic relevant to metallurgy, ecology, meteorology, geo-and astrophysics, aerospace industry, chemistry, crystal physics, and many other fields.

This book highlights the latest advances in bioMEMS for biosensing applications. It comprehensively reviews different detection methods, including colorimetric, fluorescence, luminescence, bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, biochemiluminescence, and electrochemiluminescence, and presents various bioMEMS for each, together with recent examples. The book also offers an overview of the history of BioMEMS and the design and manufacture of the first bioMEMS-based devices.

Quantum Boundaries of Life, Volume 82 in the Advances in Quantum Chemistry series, presents current topics in this rapidly developing field that have emerged at the cross section of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Topics covered include Quantum Considerations of Neural Memory, Functional Neural Electron Transport, Plasmon-polariton mechanism of the saltatory conduction in myelinated axons, Quantum Field Theory Formulation of Brain Dynamics: Nonequilibrium, Multi Field Theory Formulation of Brain Dynamics, Quantum Protein Folding, Classical-Quantum Interplay in Living Neural Tissue Function, Quantum Effects in Life Dynamics, Quantum transport and utilization of free energy in protein a-helices, and much more. The book's message is simple. Mystics prefer to put consciousness in the cosmos to avoid Darwinism. If the seat of consciousness is found to evolve within all animals, then we have a Darwinian understanding not only of the origin of life and species according to natural selection but also concerning consciousness and, in particular, life being quantum Darwinian.

Globalization and industrialization involve a number of reactions, products, extractions, and separations that require the use of organic solvents. These solvents are responsible for a number of ecological concerns, including atmospheric and land toxicity. Conventional organic solvents are regarded as volatile organic compounds; some are even limited due to their potential for ozone layer depletion. While supercritical liquids exhibit physical properties that could make them ideal substitutes for these volatile compounds, there is particular interest in the use of carbon dioxide as a solvent of crude material. In particular, carbon dioxide has apparent 'green' properties, like its noncombustible nature, the fact that it is generally nonpoisonous, and its relative inertness. Thus, the use of supercritical carbon dioxide can provide practical improvements to the sustainability of industrial products and processes. This book provides in-depth literature in the area of industrial green processes, focusing on the separation, purification, and extraction of compounds utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide as a green solvent.

This book provides a unique and comprehensive overview of the latest advances, challenges and accomplishments in the rapidly growing field of theoretical and computational materials science. Today, an increasing number of industrial communities rely more and more on advanced atomic-scale methods to obtain reliable predictions of materials properties, complement qualitative experimental analyses and circumvent experimental difficulties. The book examines some of the latest and most advanced simulation techniques currently available, as well as up-to-date theoretical approaches adopted by a selected panel of twelve international research teams. It covers a wide range of novel and advanced materials, exploring their structural, elastic, optical, mass and electronic transport properties. The cutting-edge techniques presented appeal to physicists, applied mathematicians and engineers interested in advanced simulation methods in materials science. The book can also be used as additional literature for undergraduate and postgraduate students with majors in physics, chemistry, applied mathematics and engineering.

This proceedings book presents the main findings of the 13th International Seminar on Polymer Science and Technology ( ISPST 2018), which was held at Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, on November 10-22, 2018. This forum was the culmination of more than three decades of academic and industrial activities of Iranian scholars and professionals, and the participation of many notable international scientists, in covering various important polymer-related subjects of concern to Iran and the world at large, including polymer synthesis, processing and properties, as well as issues concerning polymer degradation, stability, and environmental aspects. For the past half a century, the growing concern for advancing human health, quality of life, and - especially in the last few decades - avoiding and combating environmental pollution have shaped and driven scientific activities geared toward the creation of smart materials that are compatible with the human body, and have prompted scientists and technologists to pursue research using natural and sustainable sources. This book highlights efforts to responsibly address the problems caused by, and which can potentially be solved by, polymers and plastics.

This book introduces the new concept of "nanozyme", which refers to nanomaterials with intrinsic enzymatic activity, rather than nanomaterials with biological enzymes incorporated on the surface. The book presents the cutting-edge advances in nanozyme, with emphasis on state-of-the-art applications in many important fields, such as in the biomedical fields and for environmental protection. The nanozyme is a totally new type of artificial enzyme and exhibits huge advantages over natural enzymes, including greater stability, low cost, versatility, simplicity, and suitability for industry. It is of interest to university researchers, R&D engineers, as well as graduate students in nanoscience and technology, and biology wishing to learn the core principles, methods, and the corresponding applications of "nanozyme".

Quantum mechanics - central not only to physics, but also to chemistry, materials science, and other fields - is notoriously abstract and difficult. Essential Quantum Mechanics is a uniquely concise and explanatory book that fills the gap between introductory and advanced courses, between popularizations and technical treatises. By focusing on the fundamental structure, concepts, and methods of quantum mechanics, this introductory yet sophisticated work emphasizes both physical and mathematical understanding. A modern perspective is adopted throughout - the goal, in part, being to gain entry into the world of 'real' quantum mechanics, as used by practicing scientists. With over 60 original problems, Essential Quantum Mechanics is suitable as either a text or a reference. It will be invaluable to physics students as well as chemists, electrical engineers, philosophers, and others whose work is impacted by quantum mechanics, or who simply wish to better understand this fascinating subject.

This book covers the latest development in the biotechnological application of extremophiles. Along with this the impact of climate change and environmental pollution on loss of diversity of extremophiles is also discussed. This is crucial as the loss of this diversity is related with the loss of many bioactive compounds and bacteria of ecological importance. This volume outlines applications of extremophiles in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and bioremediation.

This book is intended as reference material for students and professors interested in air pollution modeling at the graduate level as well as researchers and professionals involved in developing and utilizing air pollution models. Current developments in air pollution modeling are explored as a series of contributions from researchers at the forefront of their field. This newest contribution on air pollution modeling and its application is focused on local, urban, regional and intercontinental modeling; emission modeling and processing; data assimilation and air quality forecasting; model assessment and evaluation; aerosol transformation. Additionally, this work also examines the relationship between air quality and human health and the effects of climate change on air quality. This work is a collection of selected papers presented at the 37th International Technical Meeting on Air Pollution Modeling and its Application, held in Hamburg, Germany, September 23-27, 2019.