This book is focused on recent advances in the development of thin films for photovoltaic applications, TiO2/WO3 bi-layers for applications with enhanced photo-catalytic properties, nanometer oxide and hydroxide films for anticorrosive coatings, surface passivation in chemical industries, micro- and nanoelectronics, trilayers of metglas and lead free piezoelectrics for magnetic field sensors, current sensors, spintronics, microwave and read/write devices. Diluted ferromagnetic alloy films are also considered for superconducting spintronics based on superconducting spin-valves. Thermal properties of segmented nanowires are analyzed with respect to thermoelectric applications. Recent advances in template production of nanocomposites are also reviewed with particular focus on technologies for template assisted formation of metal nanotubes. Some elements related to abrasive flow machining (AFM), specifically state of the art elements of technological systems and construction of equipment are presented. The book is written for researchers in materials science, nanotechnologies, PhD students and graduate student.

This book on pressure-induced phase transitions in AB2X4 chalcogenide compounds deals with one important AmBnXp material. The interest in these materials is caused by their properties. The results are discussed for three main groups of structural families: cubic-spinel structures, defective tetragonal structures, and other structures like layered and wurtzite-type modifications. A systematic analysis of the behavior of cubic (spinel), tetragonal (defect chalcopyrites and stannites) and other crystal modifications of AB2X4 compounds under hydrostatic pressure is performed. The behavior of AIIAl2S4, AIIGa2S4, AIIAl2Se4 and AIIGa2Se4 compounds with defective tetragonal structures, compounds with layered and wurtzite structures under hydrostatic pressure and the pressure dependence of the band gap, lattice parameters, interatomic distances, vibrational modes and pressure-induced phase transitions is discussed. Many of these compounds, except oxide spinels, undergo a pressure-induced phase transition towards the rocksalt-type structure. The phase transition is preceded by disorder in the cation sublattice. The dependence of the transition pressure to the rocksalt-type structure as a function of the compound ionicity and the size criterion is analyzed. At high pressures, all ordered-vacancy compounds are found to exhibit a band anticrossing between several conduction bands that leads to a strong decrease of its pressure coefficient and consequently to a strong non-linear pressure dependence of the direct bandgap energy. Theoretical studies of phase transitions in several ordered-vacancy compounds reveal that the existence of ordered vacancies alter the cation-anion bond distances and their compressibilities. The book is written for students, Ph D. students and specialists in materials science, phase transitions and new materials.

This book is focused on recent advances in the development of thin films for photovoltaic applications, TiO2/WO3 bi-layers for applications with enhanced photo-catalytic properties, nanometer oxide and hydroxide films for anticorrosive coatings, surface passivation in chemical industries, micro- and nanoelectronics, trilayers of metglas and lead free piezoelectrics for magnetic field sensors, current sensors, spintronics, microwave and read/write devices. Diluted ferromagnetic alloy films are also considered for superconducting spintronics based on superconducting spin-valves. Thermal properties of segmented nanowires are analyzed with respect to thermoelectric applications. Recent advances in template production of nanocomposites are also reviewed with particular focus on technologies for template assisted formation of metal nanotubes. Some elements related to abrasive flow machining (AFM), specifically state of the art elements of technological systems and construction of equipment are presented. The book is written for researchers in materials science, nanotechnologies, PhD students and graduate student.

This book on pressure-induced phase transitions in AB2X4 chalcogenide compounds deals with one important AmBnXp material. The interest in these materials is caused by their properties. The results are discussed for three main groups of structural families: cubic-spinel structures, defective tetragonal structures, and other structures like layered and wurtzite-type modifications. A systematic analysis of the behavior of cubic (spinel), tetragonal (defect chalcopyrites and stannites) and other crystal modifications of AB2X4 compounds under hydrostatic pressure is performed. The behavior of AIIAl2S4, AIIGa2S4, AIIAl2Se4 and AIIGa2Se4 compounds with defective tetragonal structures, compounds with layered and wurtzite structures under hydrostatic pressure and the pressure dependence of the band gap, lattice parameters, interatomic distances, vibrational modes and pressure-induced phase transitions is discussed. Many of these compounds, except oxide spinels, undergo a pressure-induced phase transition towards the rocksalt-type structure. The phase transition is preceded by disorder in the cation sublattice. The dependence of the transition pressure to the rocksalt-type structure as a function of the compound ionicity and the size criterion is analyzed. At high pressures, all ordered-vacancy compounds are found to exhibit a band anticrossing between several conduction bands that leads to a strong decrease of its pressure coefficient and consequently to a strong non-linear pressure dependence of the direct bandgap energy. Theoretical studies of phase transitions in several ordered-vacancy compounds reveal that the existence of ordered vacancies alter the cation-anion bond distances and their compressibilities. The book is written for students, Ph D. students and specialists in materials science, phase transitions and new materials.