This book offers a comprehensive overview of the rapidly developing field of cluster science. In an interdisciplinary approach, basic concepts as well as recent developments in research and practical applications are authoritatively discussed by leading authors. Topics covered include 'naked' metal clusters, clusters stabilized by ligands, clusters in solids, and colloids. The reader will find answers to questions like: * How many metal atoms must a particle have to exhibit metallic properties? * How can the large specific surface of clusters and colloids be employed in catalysts? * How can metal clusters be introduced into solid hosts? * Which effects are responsible for the transition from isolated to condensed clusters? The editor has succeeded in bringing the contributions of various authors together into a homogeneous, readable book, which will be useful for the academic and industrial reader alike.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the rapidly developing field of cluster science. In an interdisciplinary approach, basic concepts as well as recent developments in research and practical applications are authoritatively discussed by leading authors. Topics covered include 'naked' metal clusters, clusters stabilized by ligands, clusters in solids, and colloids. The reader will find answers to questions like: How many metal atoms must a particle have to exhibit metallic properties? How can the large specific surface of clusters and colloids be employed in catalysts? How can metal clusters be introduced into solid hosts? Which effects are responsible for the transition from isolated to condensed clusters? The editor has succeeded in bringing the contributions of various authors together into a homogeneous, readable book, which will be useful for the academic and industrial reader alike.

The series Structure and Bonding publishes critical reviews on topics of research concerned with chemical structure and bonding. The scope of the series spans the entire Periodic Table and addresses structure and bonding issues associated with all of the elements. It also focuses attention on new and developing areas of modern structural and theoretical chemistry such as nanostructures, molecular electronics, designed molecular solids, surfaces, metal clusters and supramolecular structures. Physical and spectroscopic techniques used to determine, examine and model structures fall within the purview of Structure and Bonding to the extent that the focus is on the scientific results obtained and not on specialist information concerning the techniques themselves. Issues associated with the development of bonding models and generalizations that illuminate the reactivity pathways and rates of chemical processes are also relevant. The individual volumes in the series are thematic. The goal of each volume is to give the reader, whether at a university or in industry, a comprehensive overview of an area where new insights are emerging that are of interest to a larger scientific audience. Thus each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years should be presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. A description of the physical basis of the experimental techniques that have been used to provide the primary data may also be appropriate, if it has not been covered in detail elsewhere. The coverage need not be exhaustive in data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the new principles being developed that will allow the reader, who is not a specialist in the area covered, to understand the data presented. Discussion of possible future research directions in the area is welcomed. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research scientists at universities or in industry, graduate students Special offer For all customers who have a standing order to the print version of Structure and Bonding, we offer free access to the electronic volumes of the Series published in the current year via SpringerLink.

The series Structure and Bonding publishes critical reviews on topics of research concerned with chemical structure and bonding. The scope of the series spans the entire Periodic Table and addresses structure and bonding issues associated with all of the elements. It also focuses attention on new and developing areas of modern structural and theoretical chemistry such as nanostructures, molecular electronics, designed molecular solids, surfaces, metal clusters and supramolecular structures. Physical and spectroscopic techniques used to determine, examine and model structures fall within the purview of Structure and Bonding to the extent that the focus is on the scientific results obtained and not on specialist information concerning the techniques themselves. Issues associated with the development of bonding models and generalizations that illuminate the reactivity pathways and rates of chemical processes are also relevant. The individual volumes in the series are thematic. The goal of each volume is to give the reader, whether at a university or in industry, a comprehensive overview of an area where new insights are emerging that are of interest to a larger scientific audience. Thus each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years should be presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. A description of the physical basis of the experimental techniques that have been used to provide the primary data may also be appropriate, if it has not been covered in detail elsewhere. The coverage need not be exhaustive in data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the new principles being developed that will allow the reader, who is not a specialist in the area covered, to understand the data presented. Discussion of possible future research directions in the area is welcomed. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research scientists at universities or in industry, graduate students Special offer For all customers who have a standing order to the print version of Structure and Bonding, we offer free access to the electronic volumes of the Series published in the current year via SpringerLink.com

Written by outstanding experts in the colloids field, this book deals with the recent developments in the synthesis, modification, utilization and application of colloids. The types covered range from metal nanoparticles through to inorganic particles and polymer latexes. Strategies for their modification to impart new properties will be outlined and ordered assemblies derived from colloid particles and some applications for colloids are shown. A multidisciplinary audience spread throughout academia and industry alike will certainly appreciate this first concise collection of knowledge in book form for this topic.

Publisher description

Presented in an accessible and introductory manner, this is the first book devoted to the comprehensive study of colloidal suspensions.