Edited by the leaders in the fi eld, with chapters from highly renowned international researchers, this is the fi rst coherent overview of the latest in silicon nanomembrane research. As such, it focuses on the fundamental and applied aspects of silicon nanomembranes, ranging from synthesis and manipulation to manufacturing, device integration and system level applications, including uses in bio-integrated electronics, three-dimensional integrated photonics, solar cells, and transient electronics. The first part describes in detail the fundamental physics and materials science involved, as well as synthetic approaches and assembly and manufacturing strategies, while the second covers the wide range of device applications and system level demonstrators already achieved, with examples taken from electronics and photonics and from biomedicine and energy.

Nanostructured silicon-germanium (SiGe) opens up the prospects of novel and enhanced electronic device performance, especially for semiconductor devices. Silicon-germanium (SiGe) nanostructures reviews the materials science of nanostructures and their properties and applications in different electronic devices.The introductory part one covers the structural properties of SiGe nanostructures, with a further chapter discussing electronic band structures of SiGe alloys. Part two concentrates on the formation of SiGe nanostructures, with chapters on different methods of crystal growth such as molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapour deposition. This part also includes chapters covering strain engineering and modelling. Part three covers the material properties of SiGe nanostructures, including chapters on such topics as strain-induced defects, transport properties and microcavities and quantum cascade laser structures. In Part four, devices utilising SiGe alloys are discussed. Chapters cover ultra large scale integrated applications, MOSFETs and the use of SiGe in different types of transistors and optical devices.With its distinguished editors and team of international contributors, Silicon-germanium (SiGe) nanostructures is a standard reference for researchers focusing on semiconductor devices and materials in industry and academia, particularly those interested in nanostructures. - Reviews the materials science of nanostructures and their properties and applications in different electronic devices - Assesses the structural properties of SiGe nanostructures, discussing electronic band structures of SiGe alloys - Explores the formation of SiGe nanostructuresfeaturing different methods of crystal growth such as molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapour deposition

Soft material-enabled electronics offer distinct advantage, over conventional rigid and bulky devices, for numerous wearable and implantable applications. Soft materials allow for seamless integration with skin and tissues due to enhanced mechanical flexibility and stretchability. Wearable devices, such as sensors, offer continuous, real-time monitoring of biosignals and movements, which can be applied in rehabilitation and diagnostics, among other applications. Soft implantable electronics offer similar functionalities, but with improved compatibility with human tissues. Biodegradable soft implantable electronics are also being developed for transient monitoring, such as in the weeks following surgery. To further advance soft electronics, materials, integration strategies, and fabrication techniques are being developed. This paper reviews recent progress in these areas, toward the development of soft material-enabled electronics for medicine, healthcare, and human-machine interfaces.

Nanomembranes Provides a thorough overview of the field of nanomembranes, covering materials science, fabrication processes, properties, and applications In recent years, the unique nature of the nanomembrane has led to new technology and applications in areas including flexible electronics, photonics, robotics, biology, microelectromechanical systems, and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. Highly suitable for assembling three-dimensional structures, the nanomembrane can be integrated into devices and systems using conventional thin film technology. Nanomembranes: Materials, Properties, and Applications is an up-to-date review of recent advances in the rapidly expanding area within nanoscience and technology. Edited by leading researchers, the book covers the fabrications, properties, applications, design concepts, and challenges of nanomembranes and other nano-scale assembled structures. In-depth chapters address topics including three- and four-dimensional origami, nanomembrane-based transient electronics, development of inorganic flexible electronics, magnetic nanomembranes, bio-applications of three-dimensional scaffolds, nanomembrane-based micro and nanorobots, passive electronic components based on self-rolled-up nanomembranes, and more. Covers nanomembranes as well as nanostructures made from semiconductor, metal, insulator, polymer, and composite materials Provides broad overview of two-dimensional materials and assembled structures including origami and kirigami structures Explores applications of nanomembrane such as batteries, supercapacitors, robotics, electronics, and cell scaffolding Discusses nanomembranes made from polymeric materials, mechanical forces during deformation, and assembly of nanomembranes, Addresses monolayer two-dimensional materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides Nanomembranes: Materials, Properties, and Applications is an invaluable resource for material scientists, engineers, physicists, and chemists in academia and industry, and an excellent text for graduate students and researchers across disciplines with interest in the rapidly growing field.

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.

Biopolymer Composites in Electronics examines the current state-of-the-art in the electronic application based on biopolymer composites. Covering the synthesis, dispersion of fillers, characterization and fabrication of the composite materials, the book will help materials scientists and engineers address the challenges posed by the increased use of biopolymeric materials in electronic applications. The influence of preparation techniques on the generation of micro, meso, and nanoscale fillers, and the effect of filler size and dispersion on various biopolymers are discussed in detail. Applications covered include sensors, actuators, optics, fuel cells, photovoltaics, dielectrics, electromagnetic shielding, piezoelectrics, flexible displays, and microwave absorbers. In addition, characterization techniques are discussed and compared, enabling scientists and engineers to make the correct choice of technique. This book is a 'one-stop' reference for researchers, covering the entire state-of-the-art in biopolymer electronics. Written by a collection of expert worldwide contributors from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions, it is an outstanding reference for researchers in the field of biopolymer composites for advanced technologies. - Enables researchers to keep up with the rapid development of biopolymer electronics, which offer light, flexible, and more cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials of solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and transistors - Includes thorough coverage of the physics and chemistry behind biopolymer composites, helping readers to become rapidly acquainted with the fiel - Provides in-depth information on the range of biopolymer applications in electronics, from printed flexible conductors and novel semiconductor components, to intelligent labels, large area displays, and solar panels