Polymer Surfaces in Motion


Book Description

Pattern formation is a fascinating and challenging aspect in polymer science. This book describes a number of unconventional approaches developed to control the morphology of polymer surfaces and materials, from random or simple patterns to complex structures. Specialists provide an up-to-date and complete overview of each technique in their respective field.




Scanning Probe Microscopy in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 3


Book Description

This book presents the physical and technical foundation of the state of the art in applied scanning probe techniques. It constitutes a timely and comprehensive overview of SPM applications. The chapters in this volume relate to scanning probe microscopy techniques, characterization of various materials and structures and typical industrial applications, including topographic and dynamical surface studies of thin-film semiconductors, polymers, paper, ceramics, and magnetic and biological materials. The chapters are written by leading researchers and application scientists from all over the world and from various industries to provide a broader perspective.




Scanning Probe Microscopy for Energy Research


Book Description

Efficiency and life time of solar cells, energy and power density of the batteries, and costs of the fuel cells alike cannot be improved unless the complex electronic, optoelectronic, and ionic mechanisms underpinning operation of these materials and devices are understood on the nanometer level of individual defects. Only by probing these phenomena locally can we hope to link materials structure and functionality, thus opening pathway for predictive modeling and synthesis. While structures of these materials are now accessible on length scales from macroscopic to atomic, their functionality has remained Terra Incognitae. In this volume, we provide a summary of recent advances in scanning probe microscopy studies of local functionality of energy materials and devices ranging from photovoltaics to batteries, fuel cells, and energy harvesting systems. Recently emergent SPM modes and combined SPM-electron microscopy approaches are also discussed. Contributions by internationally renowned leaders in the field describe the frontiers in this important field.




Scanning Probe Microscopy For Energy Research: Materials, Devices, And Applications


Book Description

Efficiency and life time of solar cells, energy and power density of the batteries, and costs of the fuel cells alike cannot be improved unless the complex electronic, optoelectronic, and ionic mechanisms underpinning operation of these materials and devices are understood on the nanometer level of individual defects. Only by probing these phenomena locally can we hope to link materials structure and functionality, thus opening pathway for predictive modeling and synthesis. While structures of these materials are now accessible on length scales from macroscopic to atomic, their functionality has remained Terra Incognitae. In this volume, we provide a summary of recent advances in scanning probe microscopy studies of local functionality of energy materials and devices ranging from photovoltaics to batteries, fuel cells, and energy harvesting systems. Recently emergent SPM modes and combined SPM-electron microscopy approaches are also discussed. Contributions by internationally renowned leaders in the field describe the frontiers in this important field.




Organic Optoelectronic Materials


Book Description

This volume reviews the latest trends in organic optoelectronic materials. Each comprehensive chapter allows graduate students and newcomers to the field to grasp the basics, whilst also ensuring that they have the most up-to-date overview of the latest research. Topics include: organic conductors and semiconductors; conducting polymers and conjugated polymer semiconductors, as well as their applications in organic field-effect-transistors; organic light-emitting diodes; and organic photovoltaics and transparent conducting electrodes. The molecular structures, synthesis methods, physicochemical and optoelectronic properties of the organic optoelectronic materials are also introduced and described in detail. The authors also elucidate the structures and working mechanisms of organic optoelectronic devices and outline fundamental scientific problems and future research directions. This volume is invaluable to all those interested in organic optoelectronic materials.




Scanning Probe Microscopy and Spectroscopy


Book Description

A practical introduction to basic theory and contemporary applications across a wide range of research disciplines Over the past two decades, scanning probe microscopies and spectroscopies have gained acceptance as indispensable characterization tools for an array of disciplines. This book provides novices and experienced researchers with a highly accessible treatment of basic theory, alongside detailed examples of current applications of both scanning tunneling and force microscopies and spectroscopies. Like its popular predecessor, Scanning Probe Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Second Edition features contributions from distinguished scientists working in a wide range of specialties at university, commercial, and government research labs around the world. Chapters have been edited for clarity, conciseness, and uniformity of presentation to provide professionals with a concise working reference to scanning probe microscopic and spectroscopic principles, techniques, and practices. This Second Edition has been substantially revised and expanded to reflect important advances and new applications. In addition to numerous examples, the Second Edition features expanded coverage of electrostatic and magnetic force microscopies, near-field optical microscopies, and new applications of buried interfaces in nanomechanics, electrochemistry, and biology. Scanning Probe Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Second Edition is an indispensable working resource for surface scientists, microscopists, and spectroscopists in materials science, chemistry, engineering, biochemistry, physics, and the life sciences. It is also an unparalleled reference text for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in those fields.




Thin Film Solar Cells


Book Description

Thin-film solar cells are either emerging or about to emerge from the research laboratory to become commercially available devices finding practical various applications. Currently no textbook outlining the basic theoretical background, methods of fabrication and applications currently exist. Thus, this book aims to present for the first time an in-depth overview of this topic covering a broad range of thin-film solar cell technologies including both organic and inorganic materials, presented in a systematic fashion, by the scientific leaders in the respective domains. It covers a broad range of related topics, from physical principles to design, fabrication, characterization, and applications of novel photovoltaic devices.




Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the methods and variety of Kelvin probe force microscopy, including technical details. It also offers an overview of the recent developments and numerous applications, ranging from semiconductor materials, nanostructures and devices to sub-molecular and atomic scale electrostatics. In the last 25 years, Kelvin probe force microscopy has developed from a specialized technique applied by a few scanning probe microscopy experts into a tool used by numerous research and development groups around the globe. This sequel to the editors’ previous volume “Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy: Measuring and Compensating Electrostatic Forces,” presents new and complementary topics. It is intended for a broad readership, from undergraduate students to lab technicians and scanning probe microscopy experts who are new to the field.




Atomic Force Microscopy for Energy Research


Book Description

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to analyze and measure the physical properties of all kinds of materials at nanoscale in the atmosphere, liquid phase, and ultra-high vacuum environment. It has become an important tool for nanoscience research. In this book, the basic principles of functional AFM techniques and their applications in energy materials—such as lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, and other energy-related materials—are addressed. FEATURES First book to focus on application of AFM for energy research Details the use of advanced AFM and addresses many types of functional AFM tools Enables readers to operate an AFM instrument successfully and to understand the data obtained Covers new achievements in AFM instruments, including electrochemical strain microscopy, and how AFM is being combined with other new methods such as infrared (IR) spectroscopy With its substantial content and logical structure, Atomic Force Microscopy for Energy Research is a valuable reference for researchers in materials science, chemistry, and physics who are working with AFM or planning to use it in their own fields of research, especially energy research.




Conjugated Polymer Nanostructures for Energy Conversion and Storage Applications


Book Description

A timely overview of fundamental and advanced topics of conjugated polymer nanostructures Conjugated Polymer Nanostructures for Energy Conversion and Storage Applications is a comprehensive reference on conjugated polymers for energy applications. Distinguished academic and editor Srabanti Ghosh offers readers a broad overview of the synthesis, characterization, and energy-related applications of nanostructures based on conjugated polymers. The book includes novel approaches and presents an interdisciplinary perspective rooted in the interfacing of polymer and synthetic chemistry, materials science, organic chemistry, and analytical chemistry. This book provides complete descriptions of conjugated polymer nanostructures and polymer-based hybrid materials for energy conversion, water splitting, and the degradation of organic pollutants. Photovoltaics, solar cells, and energy storage devices such as supercapacitors, lithium ion battery electrodes, and their associated technologies are discussed, as well. Conjugated Polymer Nanostructures for Energy Conversion and Storage Applications covers both the fundamental topics and the most recent advances in this rapidly developing area, including: The design and characterization of conjugated polymer nanostructures, including the template-free and chemical synthesis of polymer nanostructures Conjugated polymer nanostructures for solar energy conversion and environmental protection, including the use of conjugated polymer-based nanocomposites as photocatalysts Conjugated polymer nanostructures for energy storage, including the use of nanocomposites as electrode materials The presentation of different and novel methods of utilizing conjugated polymer nanostructures for energy applications Perfect for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and physical chemists, Conjugated Polymer Nanostructures for Energy Conversion and Storage Applications also belongs on the bookshelves of organic chemists and any other practicing researchers, academics, or professionals whose work touches on these highly versatile and useful structures.