Functional Materials

Functional materials have assumed a very prominent position in several high-tech areas. Such materials are not being classified on the basis of their origin, nature of bonding or processing techniques but are classified on the basis of the functions they can perform. This is a significant departure from the earlier schemes in which materials were described as metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, glass materials etc. Several new processing techniques have also evolved in the recent past. Because of the diversity of materials and their functions it has become extremely difficult to obtain information from single source. Functional Materials: Preparation, Processing and Applications provides a comprehensive review of the latest developments. Serves as a ready reference for Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science researchers by covering a wide range of functional materials in one book Aids in the design of new materials by emphasizing structure or microstructure – property correlation Covers the processing of functional materials in detail, which helps in conceptualizing the applications of them

This book looks at the synthesis of polyaniline by different methods, under different conditions, for various applications, and presents studies of its properties by a wide range of the modern physic-chemical methods. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of experimental results from the point of view of the correlations in the triad synthesis conditions–structurephysico–chemical properties. It combines the results of experimental investigations and original methodology of the description of physical–chemical and electrochemical phenomena at interface surfaces, showing an influence of such phenomena on the applied aspects of the polyaniline and nanocomposites on its basis applications.

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.

Global demand for low cost, efficient and sustainable energy production is ever increasing. Driven by recent discoveries and innovation in the science and technology of materials, applications based on functional materials are becoming increasingly important. Functional materials for sustainable energy applications provides an essential guide to the development and application of these materials in sustainable energy production. Part one reviews functional materials for solar power, including silicon-based, thin-film, and dye sensitized photovoltaic solar cells, thermophotovoltaic device modelling and photoelectrochemical cells. Part two focuses on functional materials for hydrogen production and storage. Functional materials for fuel cells are then explored in part three where developments in membranes, catalysts and membrane electrode assemblies for polymer electrolyte and direct methanol fuel cells are discussed, alongside electrolytes and ion conductors, novel cathodes, anodes, thin films and proton conductors for solid oxide fuel cells. Part four considers functional materials for demand reduction and energy storage, before the book concludes in part five with an investigation into computer simulation studies of functional materials. With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Functional materials for sustainable energy applications is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the research, development, manufacture and application of materials for sustainable energy production, including materials engineers, scientists and academics in the rapidly developing, interdisciplinary field of sustainable energy. An essential guide to the development and application of functional materials in sustainable energy production Reviews functional materials for solar power Focuses on functional materials for hydrogen production and storage, fuel cells, demand reduction and energy storage

Nanotechnology and Functional Materials for Engineers focuses on key essentials and examples across the spectrum of nanomaterials as applied by engineers, including nanosensors, smart nanomaterials, nanopolymers, and nanotubes. Chapters cover their synthesis and characteristics, production methods, and applications, with specific sections exploring nanoelectronics and electro-optic nanotechnology, nanostructures, and nanodevices. This book is a valuable resource for interdisciplinary researchers who want to learn more about how nanomaterials are used in different types of engineering, including electrical, chemical, and biomedical. Offers in-depth information on a variety of nanomaterials and how they are used for different engineering applications Provides an overview of current research and suggests how this will impact future applications Explores how the unique properties of different nanomaterials make them particularly suitable for specific applications

The development of functional materials is at the heart of technological needs and the forefront of materials research. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of functional materials, which are needed for electrical, dielectric, electromagnetic, optical, and magnetic applications. Materials concepts covered are strongly linked to applications. Textbooks related to functional materials have not kept pace with technological needs and associated scientific advances. Introductory materials science textbooks merely gloss over functional materials while electronic materials textbooks focus on semiconductors and smart materials textbooks emphasize more on limited properties that pertain to structures. Functional Materials assumes that the readers have had a one-semester introductory undergraduate course on materials science. The coverage on functional materials is much broader and deeper than that of an introductory materials science course. The book features hundreds of illustrations to help explain concepts and provide quantitative information. The style is general towards tutorial. Most chapters include sections on example problems, review questions and supplementary reading. This book is suitable for use as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate engineering courses. It is also suitable for use as a reference book for professionals in the electronic, computer, communication, aerospace, automotive, transportation, construction, energy and control industries. Request Inspection Copy

Chemistry of Functional Materials Surfaces and Interfaces: Fundamentals and Applications gives a descriptive account of interfacial phenomena step-by-step, from simple to complex, to provide readers with a strong foundation of knowledge in interfacial materials chemistry. Many case studies are provided to give real-world examples of problems and their solutions, allowing readers to make the connection between fundamental understanding and applications. Emerging applications in nanomaterials and nanotechnology are also discussed. Throughout the book, the author explains the common interface and surface equations, models, methods, and applications in the creation of functional materials. The goal of Chemistry of Functional Materials Surfaces and Interfaces is to provide readers with the basic understanding of the common tools of surface and interface chemistry for application in materials science and nanotechnology. This book is suitable for researchers and practitioners in the disciplines of materials science and engineering and surface and interface chemistry. Includes numerous real-world examples and case studies throughout Addresses emerging applications of interfacial materials chemistry in nanomaterials and nanotechnology Provides the foundational concepts of surface and interfacial science with models, equation, and methods

"Functional Materials textbook is not simply a review of the vast body of literature of the recent years, as it holds the focus upon various aspects of application. Moreover, it selects only a few topics in favor of a solid and thorough treatment of the relevant aspects. This book comes in a good time, when a large body of academic literature has been accumulated and is waiting for a critical inspection in the light of the real demands of application." Professor Gerhard Wegner, Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany The chapters cover three important fields in the development of functional materials: energy, environment, and biomedical applications. These topics are explained and discussed from both an experimental and a theoretical perspective. Functional organic and inorganic materials are at the center of most technological breakthroughs. Therefore, the understanding of material properties is fundamental to the development of novel functionalities and applications.