Nanotechnology for Rural Development is designed to present nanotechnology-based solutions to the challenges faced by rural populations, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. The book focuses on agriculture, biomass management, food processing and water management, in terms of its purification and decontamination. The treatment of wastewater and the harnessing of renewable energy are also covered. In addition, the book deals with the application of nanotechnology in the areas of consumer goods, such as textiles, ceramics, food processing and packaging, and other related spheres. The book provides information on the green synthesis of nanomaterials, using prevalent natural resources and their applications for textiles, ceramics, portiere, and food packaging. It also addresses low-cost solutions using materials such as biomass waste for water purification and decontamination. For example, lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into nutrient adsorbents, energy, fuel and storage. Above all, it protects agriculture crops from insects and other pests, and produces quality products in high yields. This volume offers insight into the intricacies of the problems faced by large populations living in rural areas, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. It also discusses the natural renewable resources available locally and how nanotechnology can best use them to increase the quality and yield of agricultural products, as well as how to engage the population, specifically women, in gainful productive activities.

Transport Phenomena in Micro- and Nanoscale Functional Materials and Devices offers a pragmatic view on transport phenomena for micro- and nanoscale materials and devices, both as a research tool and as a means to implant new functions in materials. Chapters emphasize transport properties (TP) as a research tool at the micro/nano level and give an experimental view on underlying techniques. The relevance of TP is highlighted through the interplay between a micro/nanocarrier's characteristics and media characteristics: long/short-range order and disorder excitations, couplings, and in energy conversions. Later sections contain case studies on the role of transport properties in functional nanomaterials. This includes transport in thin films and nanostructures, from nanogranular films, to graphene and 2D semiconductors and spintronics, and from read heads, MRAMs and sensors, to nano-oscillators and energy conversion, from figures of merit, micro-coolers and micro-heaters, to spincaloritronics.