Nanoparticles - Nanocomposites – Nanomaterials: An Introduction for Beginners

Meeting the demand for a readily understandable introduction to nanomaterials and nanotechnology, this textbook specifically addresses the needs of students - and engineers - who need to get the gist of nanoscale phenomena in materials without having to delve too deeply into the physical and chemical details. The book begins with an overview of the consequences of small particle size, such as the growing importance of surface effects, and covers successful, field-tested synthesis techniques of nanomaterials. The largest part of the book is devoted to the particular magnetic, optical, electrical and mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale, leading on to emerging and already commercialized applications, such as nanofluids in magnetic resonance imaging, high-performance nanocomposites and carbon nanotube-based electronics. Based on the author's experience in teaching nanomaterials courses and adapted, in style and level, for students with only limited background knowledge, the textbook includes further reading, as well as information boxes that can be skipped upon first reading.

Table of Contents:
PREFACE INTRODUCTION NANOPARTICLES - NANOCOMPOSITES Nanoparticles Elementary Consequences of Small Particle Size SURFACES IN NANOMATERIALS General Considerations Surface Energy Vapor Pressure of Small Particles Hypothetical Nanomotors Driven by Surface Energy GAS-PHASE SYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLES Fundamental Considerations Inert-Gas Condensation Process Physical and Chemical Vapor Synthesis Processes Laser-Ablation Process Plasma Processes Flame Processes Synthesis of Coated Particles ONE- AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL NANOPARTICLES Basic Considerations Vibrations of Nanorods and Nanotubes - Scaling Law for Vibrations Nanostructures Related to Compounds with Layered Structures NANOFLUIDS Background Nanofluids for Improved Heat Transfer Ferrofluids THERMODYNAMICS OF NANOPARTICLES AND PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS Basic Considerations Influence of the Particle Size on Thermodynamic Properties and Phase Transformations Thermal Instabilities Connected to Phase Transformations Heat Capacity of Nanoparticles MAGNETIC NANOMATERIALS, SUPERPARAMAGNETISM Magnetic Materials Fundamentals of Superparamagnetism Susceptibility of Superparamagnetic Materials Superparamagnetic Particles in the Mo?bauer Spectrum Applications of Superparamagnetic Materials Exchange-Coupled Magnetic Nanoparticles OPTICAL PROPERTIES General Remarks Adjustment of the Index of Refraction and Visually Transparent UV Absorbers Size-Dependent Optical Properties - Quantum Confinement Semiconducting Particles in the Quantum-Confinement Range Metallic Nanoparticles - Plasmon Resonance Luminescent Nanocomposites Selection of a Lumophore or Absorber Electroluminescence Photochromic and Electrochromic Materials Magneto-Optic Applications ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES Fundamentals of Electric Conductivity; Diffusive versus Ballistic Conductivity Carbon Nanotubes Other One-Dimensional Electrical Conductors Electrical Conductivity of Nanocomposites MECHANICAL PROPERTIES General Considerations Mechanical Properties of Bulk Nanocrystalline Materials Deformation Mechanisms of Nanocrystalline Materials Superplasticity Filled Polymer Composites CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOMATERIALS Specific Surface Area Analysis of the Crystalline Structure Electron Microscopy INDEX

About the Author :
Professor Dieter Vollath has more than 20 years experience in the research of synthesis and properties of nanomaterials. He was Department Head at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Germany, and gives lectures at the Technical University Graz, Austria. Since 2003 he is acting as nanotechnology consultant with his own company NanoConsulting. His courses on nanomaterials formed the basis for this textbook.