Nanocrystalline (nc) thin films exhibit a wide range of enhanced mechanical properties compared to their coarse-grained counterparts. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior and microstructure of nc films is intimately related. Thus, precise control of the size, aspect ratio and spatial distribution of grains can enable the synthesis of thin films with exceptional mechanical properties. However, conventional bottom-up techniques for synthesizing thin films are incapable of achieving the microstructural control required to explicitly tune their properties. This dissertation focuses on developing a novel technique to synthesize metallic alloy thin films with precisely controlled microstructures and subsequently characterizing their mechanical properties using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Control over the grain size and distribution was achieved by controlling the recrystallization process of amorphous films by the use of thin crystalline seed layers. The novel technique was used to manipulate the microstructure of structural (TiAl) and functional (NiTi) thin films thereby exhibiting its capability and versatility. Following the synthesis of thin films with tailored microstructures, in situ TEM techniques were employed to probe their mechanical properties. Firstly, a novel technique was developed to measure local atomic level elastic strains in metallic glass thin films during in situ TEM straining. This technique was used to detect structural changes and anelastic deformation in metallic glass thin films. Finally, as the electron beam (e-beam) in TEMs is known to cause radiation damage to specimen, systematic experiments were carried out to quantify the effect of the e-beam on the stress-strain response of nc metals. Experiments conducted on Al and Au films revealed that the e-beam enhances dislocation activity leading to stress relaxation.

This book guides beginners in the areas of thin film preparation, characterization, and device making, while providing insight into these areas for experts. As chemically deposited metal oxides are currently gaining attention in development of devices such as solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, sensors, etc., the book illustrates how the chemical deposition route is emerging as a relatively inexpensive, simple, and convenient solution for large area deposition. The advancement in the nanostructured materials for the development of devices is fully discussed.

The Special Issue “Synthesis and Modification of Nanostructured Thin Films” highlights the recent progress in thin film synthesis/modification and characterization. New methods are reviewed for the synthesis and/or modification of thin films based on laser, magnetron, chemical, and other techniques. The obtained thin nanostructures are characterized by complex and complementary techniques. We think that most of proposed methods can be directly applied in production, but some others still need further elaboration for long-term prospective applications in lasers, optics, materials, electronics, informatics, telecommunications, biology, medicine, and probably many other domains. The Guest Editor and the MDPI staff are therefore pleased to offer this Special Issue to interested readers, including graduate and PhD students as well as postdoctoral researchers, but also to the entire community interested in the field of nanomaterials. We share the conviction that this can serve as a useful tool for updating the literature, but also to aid in the conception of new production and/or research programs. There is plenty of room for further dedicated R&D advances based on new instruments and materials under development.

In this concise handbook leading experts give a broad overview of the latest developments in this emerging and fascinating field of nano-sized materials. Coverage includes new techniques for the synthesis of nanoparticles as well as an in-depth treatment of their characterization and chemical and physical properties. The future applications of these advanced materials are also discussed. The wealth of information included makes this an invaluable guide for graduate students as well as scientists in materials science, chemistry or physics - looking for a comprehensive treatment of the topic.

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Santorini, Greece, June 28-30, 1999

This book highlights the latest advances in chemical and physical methods for thin-film deposition and surface engineering, including ion- and plasma-assisted processes, focusing on explaining the synthesis/processing–structure–properties relationship for a variety of thin-film systems. It covers topics such as advances in thin-film synthesis; new thin-film materials: diamond-like films, granular alloys, high-entropy alloys, oxynitrides, and intermetallic compounds; ultra-hard, wear- and oxidation-resistant and multifunctional coatings; superconducting, magnetic, semiconducting, and dielectric films; electrochemical and electroless depositions; thin-film characterization and instrumentation; and industrial applications.

This book provides a general overview and current state of the art of different types of metal oxide nanomaterials, either in nanoparticles or thin film structure. It covers from the development and optimization of different nanofabrication/synthesis techniques for nanostructures which are currently the attention of the research community, the study of the structure and interactions by different characterization techniques of heterostructured materials and the final impact in different applications such as nanotherapy, data storage, super magnets, high-frequency devices. The book’s 13 chapters provide deep insight into the intriguing science of oxide materials and include contributions on novel technologies to fabricate nanomaterials with a broad range of functional properties (semiconducting, magnetic, ferroelectric, thermoelectric, optical, flexible and mechanical). This book is intended to the experts for consolidation of their knowledge but also for students who aim to learn and get basics of nanostructured metal oxides in diverse forms.