Environmental problems derived from the massive use of conventional energy resources are one of the main issues that our society has been facing in recent decades. Renewable energies (and particularly solar energy) have become a highly competitive means to meet the world’s increasing energy demands in a sustainable and clean manner. One of the key research challenges for the commercial deployment of several solar energy technologies is focused on the development of feasible and durable coatings that withstand appropriate optical and thermal performance over the lifetime of the solar facilities. This book addresses a number of relevant aspects related to coatings for renewable energies, including a deep survey of coatings used in photovoltaic solar energy, the development of a superhydrophobic and thermal stable silica coating that is potentially suitable for various industrial applications related to renewable technologies, the development of coatings to improve the resistance of structural materials used in concentrating solar thermal technologies with molten salts, and several research works related to solar reflectors for concentrating solar thermal technologies (such us the advanced analysis of the corrosion, the suitability of anti-soiling coatings, and the development of top protective coatings for high-temperature secondary concentrators).

Polymeric materials are used for a legion of applications in a wide array of technological areas, and their proper surface/interface characteristics are of cardinal importance for their applications. Therefore, the need to characterize polymer surfaces/interfaces and their suitable modification to impart desired characteristics is quite patent. This book chronicles the proceedings of the Symposium on Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces: Characterization, Modification and Application held as a part of the Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference, Boston, May 7--11, 1995. The articles in this book address many aspects of polymer surfaces and interfaces. Topics covered include: various ways (chemical, photochemical, laser, flame, corona) to modify polymer surfaces; modification of contact lens surfaces; various ways to analyze/characterize polymer surfaces; metal/polymer interfaces; metal/polyimide adhesion; metal/self-assembled organic monolayer interfaces; polymer alignment layers for liquid crystals; alignment of liquid crystal surfaces; polyimide alignment layers; molecular re-orientation of polymer surfaces; plasma polymerized organic coatings; epoxy/fiber interphase; epoxy underfill materials for packaging integrated circuits; transport in polymers; polymer miscibility; and cell adhesion.

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles A complete nanoparticle resource for chemists and industry professionals Metal oxide nanoparticles are integral to a wide range of natural and technological processes—from mineral transformation to electronics. Additionally, the fields of engineering, electronics, energy technology, and electronics all utilize metal oxide nanoparticle powders. Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: Formation, Functional Properties, and Interfaces presents readers with the most relevant synthesis and formulation approaches for using metal oxide nanoparticles as functional materials. It covers common processing routes and the assessment of physical and chemical particle properties through comprehensive and complementary characterization methods. This book will serve as an introduction to nanoparticle formulation, their interface chemistry and functional properties at the nanoscale. It will also act as an in-depth resource, sharing detailed information on advanced approaches to the physical, chemical, surface, and interface characterization of metal oxide nanoparticle powders and dispersions. Addresses the application of metal oxide nanoparticles and its economic impact Examines particle synthesis, including the principles of selected bottom-up strategies Explores nanoparticle formulation—a selection of processing and application routes Discusses the significance of particle surfaces and interfaces on structure formation, stability and functional materials properties Covers metal oxide nanoparticle characterization at different length scales With this valuable resource, academic researchers, industrial chemists, and PhD students can all gain insight into the synthesis, properties, and applications of metal oxide nanoparticles.

This graduate-level textbook covers the major developments in surface sciences of recent decades, from experimental tricks and basic techniques to the latest experimental methods and theoretical understanding. It is unique in its attempt to treat the physics of surfaces, thin films and interfaces, surface chemistry, thermodynamics, statistical physics and the physics of the solid/electrolyte interface in an integral manner, rather than in separate compartments. It is designed as a handbook for the researcher as well as a study-text for graduate students. Written explanations are supported by 350 graphs and illustrations.

This unique book covers the latest surface science studies on model catalysts, including single crystals, non-colloidal nanocatalysts, and nanoparticles in various forms with the control of size, shape and composition. This book addresses the issue of bridging “materials and pressure gaps” and also discusses the important issue of metal-oxide interface and hot electron flows in heterogeneous catalysis. The current development of in-situ surface techniques that is relevant to bridging “pressure gaps” is also highlighted.

Micro- and Nano-Bionic Surfaces: Biomimetics, Interface Energy Field Effects, and Applications synthesizes the latest research in bio-inspired surfaces and devices for tactile and flow field perception. The book provides solutions to common problems related to flow field/tactile perception, intelligent MEMS sensors, smart materials, material removal methods, cell/particle control methods, and micro-nano robot technology. With a heavy emphasis on applications throughout, the book starts by providing insights into biomimetic device design, outlining strategies readers can adopt for various engineering applications. From there, it introduces the controlling methods of smart materials, controlling methods from external energy input, and more. Sections demonstrate how to solve problems of high efficiency, high quality, and low damage material removal for metals, composites, soft tissues, and other materials by applying bionic wave-motion surface characteristics. The latest theoretical and technical developments in field control methods applied to biological interfaces are also discussed, and the book concludes with a chapter on fabrication strategies to synthesize micro/nano functional particles based on bio-templates. - Provides an overview on the latest research in bio-inspired surfaces and devices for tactile and flow-field perception - Introduces techniques for characterizing different bionic surfaces and how to use energy fields analysis to treat different bionic surface and interface problems - Discusses the latest theoretical and experimental developments in field control and their applications in the biomedical field - Outlines fabrication methods and assembly and alignment processes of micro-/nano-functional particles based on microorganism templates