Nanoscale Multifunctional Materials

A multidisciplinary approach that explores the diverse properties, functions, and applications of nanomaterials Drawing together the many scientific and engineering disciplines underlying the development of nanomaterials, Nanoscale Multifunctional Materials provides a multidisciplinary review of the diverse properties, functions, and applications of nanomaterials. The book examines both nanoparticles, which have larger-scale equivalents, and uniquely assembled nanomaterials, which do not have larger-scale equivalents. Readers will gain a tremendous appreciation of the versatility of nanomaterials as well as an understanding of how the same nanomaterial can have several distinct applications across a broad range of fields and industries. Nanoscale Multifunctional Materials is divided into three sections: Section I, Overview, describes the scientific phenomena underlying the special properties of nanomaterials, making them desirable as novel materials and different from conventional solids. Next, readers will learn about the effect of nanomaterials on contemporary society as well as future trends in nanomaterials production and use. Section II, Processing and Analysis, explores several experimental approaches in nanomaterial fabrication and characterization as well as in theoretical approaches in modeling and simulation. Section III, Applications, offers detailed examples of nanomaterial applications in alternative energy, thermal management, environmental cleanup, water treatment, and biomedicine. Each chapter has been written by one or more leading experts in the science, engineering, and application of nanomaterials. Within each chapter, readers will find a thorough review of the current literature, with references to facilitate further investigation of individual topics. Underscoring the multidisciplinary and multifunctional characteristics of nanomaterials, this book is recommended for students and professionals in science and engineering who need a broad perspective on both the nature and application of nanomaterials. The text also sets the stage for the development of new nanomaterials and new applications.