This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Boron Nitride Nanostructures" that was published in Nanomaterials

The research topic of this Special Issue will consider (i) the design of nanostructured boron nitride nanostructures with controlled crystal structures, porosity, and dimensionality, (ii) the functionalization of boron nitride, and (iii) prospective applications of boron nitride nanostructures and materials. It contains six papers dealing with (i) the exfoliation of hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) in liquid phase by ion intercalation, (ii) effective mechanical properties and thickness determinations of Boron Nitride nanosheets using molecular dynamics simulation, (iii) direct observation of inner-layer inward contractions of multiwalled Boron Nitride nanotubes upon in situ heating, (iv) the alignment of Boron Nitride nanofibers in epoxy composite films for thermal conductivity and dielectric breakdown strength improvement, (v) the effect of Boron Nitride on the thermal and mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), and (vi) hexagonal Boron Nitride functionalized with Au nanoparticles—properties and potential biological applications

This Handbook covers all aspects related to Nanofibers, from the experimental set-up for their fabrication to their potential industrial applications. It describes several kinds of nanostructured fibers such as metal oxides, natural polymers, synthetic polymers and hybrid inorganic-polymers or carbon-based materials. The first part of the Handbook covers the fundamental aspects, experimental setup, synthesis, properties and physico-chemical characterization of nanofibers. Specifically, this part details the history of nanofibers, different techniques to design nanofibers, self-assembly in nanofibers, critical parameters of synthesis, fiber alignment, modeling and simulation, types and classifications of nanofibers, and signature physical and chemical properties (i.e. mechanical, electrical, optical and magnetic), toxicity and regulations, bulk and surface functionalization and other treatments to allow them to a practical use. Characterization methods are also deeply discussed here. The second part of the Handbook deals with global markets and technologies and emerging applications of nanofibers, such as in energy production and storage, aerospace, automotive, sensors, smart textile design, energy conversion, tissue engineering, medical implants, pharmacy and cosmetics. Attention is given to the future of research in these areas in order to improve and spread the applications of nanofibers and their commercialization.

This book covers the topic of microplastics in water and wastewater. The chapters start with introductory issues related to the growing interest in the scientific community on microplastics and the human water cycle and point out where the microplastics could interact with water. The subsequent chapters examine evidence of the microplastic presence in freshwater, such as in both rivers and lakes, in freshwater biota, and hazardous chemicals associated with microplastics in such systems. Another set of chapters discuss the presence of microplastics in wastewater: their sources; their transfer through a wastewater treatment plant; the concentration of microplastics in effluents throughout the world; the plastic biomedia used in wastewater treatment plants and the effect on the surrounding environment of effluent wastewater pipes. These chapters also discuss the sampling methods, the sample treatment and analysis techniques used so far for microplastics in wastewater. Additionally, the presence of microplastics in sewage sludge and in soils irrigated with wastewater or fertilized with sludge are discussed. The possible impact of plastics and their additives on plants, microalgae, and humans are reviewed and presented in a critical way. Finally, a chapter summarizes all the relevant regulations and initiatives that point to the necessity of a global directive for the protection of the environment from plastic and microplastic pollution. The topic of microplastics in freshwater systems and in wastewater has scarcely been studied and requires more attention. Microplastics in Water and Wastewater aims to bring these initial findings to the attention of a broader audience and especially to operators and managers of freshwater and wastewater systems. It will also be helpful to people already aware of the marine debris problem to understand the sources of microplastics in the oceans, from freshwater systems and wastewater treatment plants.

Carbon nanotubes, with their extraordinary mechanical and unique electronic properties, have garnered much attention in the past five years. With a broad range of potential applications including nanoelectronics, composites, chemical sensors, biosensors, microscopy, nanoelectromechanical systems, and many more, the scientific community is more moti

Research and development of solid state gas sensor devices began in the 1950s with several uncoordinated independent efforts. The number and pace of these investigations later accelerated in response to increasing pressure placed on the environment and public health by industrial activities. Since 1970, several thousand articles have been written on the subject, and laboratories around the globe have introduced novel methodologies and devices to address needs associated with particular technological developments. Despite the rapid development of this important new technology, very little has been done to review and coordinate data related to sensor science and technology itself. Physics, Chemistry and Technology of Solid State Gas Sensor Devices focuses on the underlying principles of solid state sensor operation and reveals the rich fabric of interdisciplinary science that governs modern sensing devices. Beginning with some historical and scientific background, the text proceeds to a study of the interactions of gases with surfaces. Subsequent chapters present detailed information on the fabrication, performance, and application of a variety of sensors. Types of sensor devices discussed include: Gas-sensitive solid state semiconductor sensors Photonic and photoacoustic gas sensors Fiber optic sensors Piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance sensors Surface acoustic wave sensors Pyroelectric and thermal sensors For analytical chemists using solid state sensors in environment-related analysis, and for electrical engineers working with solid state sensors, this book will expand and unify their understanding of these devices, both in theory and practice.