As the characteristic dimensions of electronic devices continue to shrink, the ability to characterize their electronic properties at the nanometer scale has come to be of outstanding importance. In this sense, Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) is becoming an indispensable tool, playing a key role in nanoscience and nanotechnology. SPM is opening new opportunities to measure semiconductor electronic properties with unprecedented spatial resolution. SPM is being successfully applied for nanoscale characterization of ferroelectric thin films. In the area of functional molecular materials it is being used as a probe to contact molecular structures in order to characterize their electrical properties, as a manipulator to assemble nanoparticles and nanotubes into simple devices, and as a tool to pattern molecular nanostructures. This book provides in-depth information on new and emerging applications of SPM to the field of materials science, namely in the areas of characterisation, device application and nanofabrication of functional materials. Starting with the general properties of functional materials the authors present an updated overview of the fundamentals of Scanning Probe Techniques and the application of SPM techniques to the characterization of specified functional materials such as piezoelectric and ferroelectric and to the fabrication of some nano electronic devices. Its uniqueness is in the combination of the fundamental nanoscale research with the progress in fabrication of realistic nanodevices. By bringing together the contribution of leading researchers from the materials science and SPM communities, relevant information is conveyed that allows researchers to learn more about the actual developments in SPM applied to functional materials. This book will contribute to the continuous education and development in the field of nanotechnology.

Wetting and Spreading Dynamics explains how surface forces acting at the three-phase contact line determine equilibrium, hysteresis contact angles, and other equilibrium and kinetics features of liquids when in contact with solids or with other immiscible liquids. It examines the interaction of surface forces, capillary forces, and properties of the transition zone between the bulk liquid and solid substrate. Significantly revised and updated, the Second Edition features new chapters that cover spreading of non-Newtonian liquids over porous substrates, hysteresis of contact angles on smooth homogeneous substrates, equilibrium and hysteresis contact angles on deformable substrates, and kinetics of simultaneous spreading and evaporation. Drawing together theory and experimental data while presenting over 150 figures to illustrate the concepts, Wetting and Spreading Dynamics, Second Edition is a valuable resource written for both newcomers and experienced researchers.

This book documents recent dramatic breakthroughs and prospects for even more important future developments in a wide variety of fields and applications of science and technology related to nanotechnology', all involving the control of matter on the nanometer-length scale, that is, at the level of atoms, molecules, and supramolecular structures. As the twenty-first century unfolds, nanotechnology's impact on the health, wealth, and security of the world's people is expected to be at least as significant as the combined influences in this century of antibiotics, the integrated circuit, and human-made polymers. The book covers fundamental scientific issues for nanotechnology and reviews progress in the development of the necessary tools for nanotechnology research and applications (e.g. theory, modeling and simulation, experimental methods, and instruments such as scanning probe microscopes). It also surveys a wide variety of current and potential application areas of nanotechnology, including: dispersions, coatings, and large surface area structures; nanodevices, nanoelectronics, and nanosensors; materials science and applications of bulk nanostructured materials with novel properties; biology, medicine, and healthcare; and energy, chemicals, and environmental science. The book incorporates the views of leading experts from U.S. government, academia, and the private sector. It reflects the consensus reached at a workshop held in January 1999, and detailed in contributions submitted thereafter by members of the U.S. science and engineering community. It describes challenges that are posed and opportunities that are offered by nanotechnology and outlines the steps that must be taken inorder for humanity to benefit from the advances that are envisioned. This emphasizes three crucial areas: developing a balanced research and development infrastructure, advancing critical research areas, and nurturing the scientific and technical workforce of the next century.

Recent advances in semiconductor technology have made it possible to fabricate microcavity structures in which both photon fields and electron-hole pairs (or excitons) are confined in a small volume comparable to their wavelength. The radiative properties of the electron-hole pairs and excitons are modified owing to the drastic change in the structure of the electromagnetic-field modes. This book is the first to give a comprehensive account of the theory of semiconductor cavity quantum electrodynamics for such systems in the weak-coupling and strong-coupling regimes. The important concepts are presented, together with relevant, recent experimental results.

This book presents the development of electrospun materials, fundamental principles of electrospinning process, controlling parameters, electrospinning strategies, and electrospun nanofibrous structures with specific properties for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, textile, water treatment, sensor, and energy fields. This book can broadly be divided into three parts: the first comprises basic principles of electrospinning process, general requirements of electrospun materials and advancement in electrospinning technology, the second part describes the applications of electrospun materials in different fields and future prospects, while the third part describes applications that can be used in advanced manufacturing based on conjoining electrospinning and 3D printing. Electrospinning is the most successful process for producing functional nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes with superior chemical and physical properties. The unique properties of electrospun materials including high surface to volume ratio, flexibility, high mechanical strength, high porosity, and adjustable nanofiber and pore size distribution make them potential candidates in a wide range of applications in biomedical and engineering areas. Electrospinning is becoming more efficient and more specialized in order to produce particular fiber types with tunable diameter and morphology, tunable characteristics, having specific patterns and 3D structures. With a strong focus on fundamental materials science and engineering, this book provides systematic and comprehensive coverage of the recent developments and novel perspectives of electrospun materials. This comprehensive book includes chapters that discuss the latest and emerging applications of nanofiber technology in various fields, specifically in areas such as wearable textile, biomedical applications, energy generation and storage, water treatment and environmental remediation, and sensors such as biomarkers in healthcare and biomedical engineering. Despite all these advancements, there are still challenges to be addressed and overcome for nanofiber technology to move towards maturation.

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are experiencing a rapid development in many aspects, like real-space atomic-scale imaging, atomic and molecular manipulation, nano-fabrication, etc. , which will have a profound impact not only in every field of research, but also on everyday life in the twenty-first century. The common efforts of researchers from different countries and fields of science can bring complementary expertise to solve the rising problems in order to take advantage of the nanoscale approaches in Materials Science. Nanostructured materials, i. e. materials made with atomic accuracy, show unique properties as a consequence of nanoscale size confinement, predominance of interfacial phenomena and quantum effects. Therefore, by reducing the dimensions of a structure to nanosize, many inconceivable properties will appear and may lead to different novel applications from na- electronics and nanophotonics to nanobiological systems and nanomedicine. All this requires the contribution of multidisciplinary teams of physicists, chemists, materials scientists, engineers and biologists to work together on the synthesis and processing of nanomaterials and nanostructures, und- standing the properties related to the nanoscale, the design of nano-devices as well as of new tools for the characterization of nano-structured materials. The first objective of the NATO ASI on Nanostructured Materials for Advanced Technological Applications was to assess the up-to-date achie- ments and future perspectives of application of novel nanostructured materials, focusing on the relationships material structure ? functional properties ? possible applications.

This book focuses on the emerging research in the field of treatment of solid tumors or cancer with new drug delivery systems using nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has given us a good scope for development of new innovative drug delivery strategies to increase the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs with reduced off-target side effects. Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide due to the limitations of classical therapies such as low solubility of active drugs, toxic side effects on healthy cells and resistance of tumor cells. These issues are partly solved by the recent development of polymeric nanoparticles, which improve drug absorption and the therapeutic index, while reducing side effects. Drug carriers must be biocompatible, biodegradable and non-immunogenic. Coupled to a ligand that has affinity for that particular cell, polymeric nanoparticles are used to target specifically malignant cells or tissues and, in turn, improve drug stability. This book presents the latest advances in the application of polymeric particles for cancer treatment, with focus on the tumor microenvironment, synthesis, active and passive targeting, patents, targeting over-expressed receptors, tumor-targeting ligands, theranostics, glioblastoma tumors, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and pH-responsive nanoparticles

This thesis describes the fabrication of metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures using very high permittivity dielectrics (based on rare earths) grown by high-pressure sputtering from metallic targets. It demonstrates the possibility of depositing high permittivity materials (GdScO3) by means of high pressure sputtering from metallic targets using in situ plasma oxidation on Si and indium phosphate (InP) substrates. The advantage of this system is the high working pressure, which causes the particles to undergo multiple collisions and become thermalized before reaching the substrate in a pure diffusion process, thus protecting the semiconductor surface from damage. This work presents a unique fabrication using metallic targets and involving a two-step deposition process: a thin metallic film is sputtered in an Ar atmosphere and this film is then plasma oxidized in situ. It also demonstrates the fabrication of GdScO3 on Si with a permittivity value above 30 from metallic Gd and Sc targets. Since co-sputtering was not possible, a nanolaminate of these materials was deposited and annealed. The electrical properties of these devices show that the material is highly interesting from a microelectronic integration standpoint.

Nanotechnologies and nanosciences are a fast-developing field of research, which sit at the point of convergence of several disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology, mechanics, etc.). This practically-oriented overview is designed to provide students and researchers with essential information on both the tools of manufacture and specific features of the nanometric scale, as well as applications within the most active fields (electronics, magnetism, information storage, biology). Specific applications and techniques covered include nanolithography, STM and AFM, nanowires and supramolecules, molecular electronics, optronics, and simulation. Each section of the book devotes considerable space to industrial applications and prospective developments.

With global capacity in excess of 5 million tons annually, phenolic resins are one of the leading thermosetting resins that are used in many diverse industries such as wood adhesives, fiberglass/mineral wool binder, molded materials for autos/electronic/electrical industries, brakes, abrasives, foam, coatings/adhesives, laminates, composites, metal castings/refractories, and rubber industry. These phenolic resin business areas are critical to the national economy and general welfare of emerging and developed nations. Although phenolic resins are barely noticed in these applications, it is difficult to imagine their absence since they are vital and not easily replaced by other polymeric materials due to favorable cost/performance characteristics of phenolic resins.

In this new book these application areas are summarized and updated by global phenolic experts that are engaged daily in these activities. Further new technology and application areas of global technical activity are presented and include nanotechnology, updated phenolic resin chemistry, carbon fiber and long glass fiber reinforced molding materials, new analyses/testing, carbon foam, carbon/carbon brakes for autos, photo resists, new fiber reinforced systems, renewable raw materials, and recycling.

It is anticipated that the new book will feature a global perspective of phenolic resins through the participation of international (North America, Europe and Asia) phenolic experts that was lacking in all previous books related to phenolic resins.

1) Aids professionals in meeting an increasing demand for more sustainable materials which are biodegradable, as nanomaterials meet these criteria 2) Monitors the impact of organic nanofillers in promoting polymer circular economy 3) Discusses computational studies on the effect of nanofillers on polymer matrices 4) Looks at properties of nanofillers including the mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties

1) Aids professionals in meeting an increasing demand for more cost effective materials that still provide high performance 2) Monitors the impact of inorganic nanofillers in promoting polymer circular economy 3) Discusses metallic foams and high entropy inorganic nanofillers 4) Features cutting edge research on nanocomposite derived anisotropy hydrogels and their multifunctional applications, with emphasis on wound dressing properties.

This highlights ongoing research efforts on different aspects of polymer nanocomposites and explores their potentials to exhibit multi-functional properties. In this context, it addresses both fundamental and advanced concepts, while delineating the parameters and mechanisms responsible for these potentials. Aspects considered include embrittlement/toughness; wear/scratch behaviour; thermal stability and flame retardancy; barrier, electrical and thermal conductivity; and optical and magnetic properties. Further, the book was written as a coherent unit rather than a collection of chapters on different topics. As such, the results, analyses and discussions presented herein provide a guide for the development of a new class of multi-functional nanocomposites. Offering an invaluable resource for materials researchers and postgraduate students in the polymer composites field, they will also greatly benefit materials

In this second volume, various materials such as Magnetic-based biocomposites, wheat bran/straw-based biomaterials, peel-based biomaterials, luffa Based Biomaterials, composite polymeric membranes, rice husk, hydroxyapatite etc for treating textile waste water are highlighted. One of the major pollutants in the textiles and fashion sector is textile waste water. Textile wastewater can lead to serious environmental issues if discharged without proper and sufficient treatment. The materials employed along with the technologies available to trate the waste water are the key. There are a lot of advancements in terms materials, technologies employed for textile waste water treatment. Sustainable bio-nano materials and macro molecules play a major role in the efficient textile waste treatment.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of nanocomposite materials obtained by the sol-gel method, from synthesis to applications and including design tools for combining different properties. Sol-gel nanocomposites are of great interest in meeting processing and application requirements for the development of multifunctional materials. These materials are already commercialized for a number of applications from scratch-resistant and anti-adhesive coatings to optical materials with active and passive properties. Biomedical applications, holographic recordings, fuel cells and hydrogen storage, resists and catalysts are among the potential uses. The novel mechanical, optical and electronic properties of nanocomposite materials depend not only on the individual component materials, but also on their morphology and nanoscale interfacial characteristics. Sol-gel is a highly versatile method for obtaining both the matrix and the filler of the nanocomposite and for chemically adjusting the interface to optimize structure and properties. Although nanocomposites are widely discussed in the literature, the focus has been mainly on polymer nanocomposites. This book addresses nanocomposites based on inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic matrices, with an emphasis on the scientific principles which are the basis for nanocomposite sol-gel synthesis and applications. A didactic approach is followed, with different topics developed from a fundamental point of view together with key examples and case studies. First comprehensive treatment of nanocomposites obtained by sol-gel methods Focuses on nanocomposites with inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic matrices Describes design tools to optimize structure and properties for various applications Covers synthesis, processing, characterization, and modeling Uses first principles to describe the influence of interfacial characteristics on materials properties Presents case studies for both films and bulk applications Provides examples of products on the market, with descriptions of the scientific principles at the base of their success Includes contributions from recognized leaders in this multidisciplinary area.

Since 1995, the noncontact atomic force microscope (NC-AFM) has achieved remarkable progress. Based on nanomechanical methods, the NC-AFM detects the weak attractive force between the tip of a cantilever and a sample surface. This method has the following characteristics: it has true atomic resolution; it can measure atomic force interactions, i.e. it can be used in so-called atomic force spectroscopy (AFS); it can also be used to study insulators; and it can measure mechanical responses such as elastic deformation. This is the first book that deals with all of the emerging NC-AFM issues.

Covers the engineering of complex nanostructures designed for applications in the peculiar space environment Deeply illustrates several examples of innovative manufacturing processes and creation of new products for the realization of advanced nanotechnological systems Identifies future efforts needed to further expand nanotechnology in space Presents a market analysis encompassing the whole area of strategic space-related applications

This volume provides up-to-date information on toxic pollutants in the environment and their harmful effects on human health and nature. The book covers many important aspects of environmental toxicology, such as features, characterization, applications, environmental routes for dispersion, nanotoxicity, ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of nanomaterials, with emphasis on radiation toxicology, polar ecotoxicology, plastic toxicology, microbrial toxicology, nanotoxicology and pesticide toxicology. Also discussed is the use of microbes and nanotechnology for medicinal purposes, which has revealed important chemical prototypes in the discovery of new agents, stimulating the use of refined physical techniques and new syntheses of molecules with pharmaceutical applications for human welfare. The chapters also address the fate of nanoparticles in the environment, as well as nanotoxicology mechanisms impacting human health. The book will be of interest to toxicologists, environmental scientists, chemists, and students of microbiology, nanotechnology and pharmacology.

This volume presents recent advances and current knowledge in the field of supramolecular assemblies based on electrostatic interactions. The flexibility and simplicity of constructing assemblies is explained via several examples, illustrations, figures, case studies, and historical perspectives. Moreover, as there is an increasing demand for the use of theoretical and computational models of the interaction strengths for assisting with the experimental studies, one chapter specifically focuses on the "modelling'' of supramolecular assemblies. Finally, various aspects of the recent advances of the field as well as potential future opportunities are discussed, with the goal being to stimulate critical discussions among the community and to encourage further discovery. This volume aims to inspire and guide fellow scientists and students working in this field and thus it provides a great tool for all researchers, graduates and professionals specializing on the topic.

Following an introduction to biogenic metal nanoparticles, this book presents how they can be biosynthesized using bacteria, fungi and yeast, as well as their potential applications in biomedicine. It is shown that the synthesis of nanoparticles using microbes is eco-friendly and results in reproducible metal nanoparticles of well-defined sizes, shapes and structures. This biotechnological approach based on the process of biomineralization exploits the effectiveness and flexibility of biological systems. Chapters include practical protocols for microbial synthesis of nanoparticles and microbial screening methods for isolating a specific nanoparticle producer as well as reviews on process optimization, industrial scale production, biomolecule-nanoparticle interactions, magnetosomes, silver nanoparticles and their numerous applications in medicine, and the application of gold nanoparticles in developing sensitive biosensors.

The book highlights recent developments in the field of spectroscopy by providing the readers with an updated and high-level of overview. The focus of this book is on the introduction to concepts of modern spectroscopic techniques, recent technological innovations in this field, and current examples of applications to molecules and materials relevant for academia and industry. The book will be beneficial to researchers from various branches of science and technology, and is intended to point them to modern techniques, which might be useful for their specific problems. Spectroscopic techniques, that are discussed include, UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, SERS, TERS, CARS, IR absorption spectroscopy, SFG, LIBS, Quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, ellipsometry, cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy, such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and evanescent wave-CRDS both in gas and condensed phases, time-resolved spectroscopy etc. Applications introduced in the different chapters demonstrates the usefulness of the spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of fundamental properties of molecules, e.g. in connection with environmental impact, bio-activity, or usefulness for pharmaceutical drugs, and materials important e.g. for nano-science, nuclear chemistry, or bio-applications. The book presents how spectroscopic techniques can help to better understand substances, which have also great impact on questions of social and economic relevance (environment, alternative energy, etc.).

This book covers state-of-the-art development in microfluidics-enabled soft manufacturing (MESM), ranging from fundamentals to applications. The book addresses the long-standing challenge in the manufacture of simultaneously achieving both precise control over nano-/micro-scale structures and large-scale fabrication of materials for pragmatic use, with microfluidics-enabled soft manufacture to fill the gap between the widely-varied length scales involved. It offers a comprehensive insight into the microfluidic generation of fluid systems as liquid templates, such as droplets, bubbles, jets, emulsions, and foams, which are categorized into individual templates, one-dimensional arrays, and two-/three-dimensional assemblies for the modular fabrication of microparticles, microfibers, and porous materials, respectively. MESM enriches the compositional and structural diversity of engineered materials for well-tailored properties and functionalities, markedly broadening the application horizons across interdisciplinary fields, including engineering, environment, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. This book aims to systematize this emerging yet versatile and powerful technology, with the hope of aiding the realization of its full potential. Microfluidics-Enabled Soft Manufacture will be an invaluable reference for graduate students, postgraduates, researchers, and practitioners/professionals working in micro and nanofabrication, materials science, surface science, fluid dynamics, and engineering.

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.