The field of organic/inorganic hybrids has evolved significantly, providing materials with increasing architectural complexities and functionalities. Scientists involved in this field are gradually moving from building materials using a classical molecular approach (e.g. polymerization) to assembling materials on the nanoscale, using a variety of innovative strategies which can vary from the assembly of DNA motifs, to the formation of mesoporous materials by spinodal decomposition, or the use of nanoparticles or oxoclusters as nanobuilding blocks for building complex structures such as nacre-like transition metal oxides. This precise control over the materials architecture also adds functionality to the hybrid materials, whether it is for designing special membranes for phase separation and chromatography or thin films for photonic or magnetic applications. This book presents contributions from researchers worldwide and discusses organosiloxane-based materials; mesoporous materials and films; layered materials; surface and interface modification and characterization; controlled release and biological applications; nanoparticles synthesis and assembly; nanocomposites and new concepts.

The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners.

Das erste Handbuch und gut zugängliche Referenzwerk zu diesem zunehmend wichtigen Thema erläutert in einem anwendungsorientierten Ansatz Synthese, Design, Charakterisierung und Simulation von Grenzflächen bei hybriden organisch-anorganischen Materialien.

Since the first works introducing the aluminum intercalated clay family in the early 1970s, interest in the synthesis of pillared interlayered clays has increased tremendously, especially research into the properties and applications of new synthesis methods. The need for solids that could be used as cracking catalysts with larger pores than zeolitic materials has spurred the synthesis of new porous materials from clays. Pillared Clays and Related Catalysts reviews the properties and applications of pillared clays and other layered materials used as catalysts, focusing on: the acidity of pillared clays and the effect it has on catalytic performance the use of pillared clays as supports for catalytically active phases, and the use of the resulting solids in environmentally friendly reactions the applications of the selective reduction of NOx the comparison between the reactions of pillared clays and anionic clays.

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is one of the key enabling tools for the advancement for nanotechnology with applications in many interdisciplinary research areas. This book presents selected original research works on the application of scanning probe microscopy techniques for the characterization of physical properties of different materials at the nanoscale. The topics in the book range from surface morphology analysis of thin film structures, oxide thin layers and superconducting structures, novel scanning probe microscopy techniques for characterization of mechanical and electrical properties, evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of hybrid coatings and thin films. The variety of topics chosen for the book underlines the strong interdisciplinary nature of the research work in the field of scanning probe microscopy.

Thin-film compound semiconductor photovoltaic solar cells have demonstrated efficiencies of nearly 20% and are leading candidates to provide lower-cost energy due to potential advantages in manufacturing and materials costs. To fulfill the promise, a number of technical issues are being addressed, including a lack of fundamental understanding of these unique materials, devices and processes for large-area deposition. This book focuses on advances in the materials science, chemistry, processing and device issues of thin-film compound semiconductor materials that are used, or have potential use, in photovoltaic solar cells and related applications. Topics include: growth and performance of compound thin-film solar cells; novel materials and processes; defects and impurities; industrial perspectives; contacts and interfaces; grain boundaries and inhomogeneities; and structural, optical and electronic characterization.