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Functional Mesoporous Carbon-Based Film Devices for Energy Systems
by Biao Kong Hongbin Xu Lei Xie Shan ZhouThis book introduces the synthesis of functional mesoporous carbon-based films and their applications in energy systems. In the last decades, the consumption of fossil fuels has led to many problems such as the energy crisis and climate change. The rapidly increasing energy demands and environmental issues have attracted lots of attention to develop new functional materials for sustainable energy technology. Mesoporous carbon-based films show unique properties and have been regarded as a promising material applied in highly efficient energy storage and conversion systems. Interfacial assembly strategies are usually employed to construct such film devices. In this book, recent developments in synthesis of mesoporous carbon-based film devices through interfacial assembly strategies are illustrated. Additionally, the applications of mesoporous carbon-based film devices for electrochemical energy systems including batteries and electrocatalysis are introduced to demonstrate their potential, as well as describing the mechanisms to enhance the performance of these systems. Finally, some challenges and future outlooks are presented to inspire better development and contributions to this field in coming years. Given its scope, this book appeals to undergraduate students, graduate students, engineers, and researchers involved in related fields.
Functional Metal Oxide Nanostructures (Springer Series in Materials Science #149)
by Junqiao Wu, Jinbo Cao, Wei-Qiang Han, Anderson Janotti and Ho-Cheol KimMetal oxides and particularly their nanostructures have emerged as animportant class of materials with a rich spectrum of properties and greatpotential for device applications. In this book, contributions from leadingexperts emphasize basic physical properties, synthesis and processing, and thelatest applications in such areas as energy, catalysis and data storage. Functional Metal Oxide Nanostructuresis an essential reference for any materials scientist or engineer with aninterest in metal oxides, and particularly in recent progress in defectphysics, strain effects, solution-based synthesis, ionic conduction, and theirapplications.
Functional Metal Oxides: New Science and Novel Applications
by Satishchandra Balkrishna Ogale T. Venky Venkatesan Mark BlamireFunctional oxides are used both as insulators and metallic conductors in key applications across all industrial sectors. This makes them attractive candidates in modern technology ? they make solar cells cheaper, computers more efficient and medical instrumentation more sensitive. Based on recent research, experts in the field describe novel materials, their properties and applications for energy systems, semiconductors, electronics, catalysts and thin films. This monograph is divided into 6 parts which allows the reader to find their topic of interest quickly and efficiently. * Magnetic Oxides * Dopants, Defects and Ferromagnetism in Metal Oxides * Ferroelectrics * Multiferroics * Interfaces and Magnetism * Devices and Applications This book is a valuable asset to materials scientists, solid state chemists, solid state physicists, as well as engineers in the electric and automotive industries.
Functional Metal Oxides: New Science and Novel Applications
by Satishchandra Balkrishna Ogale T. Venky Venkatesan Mark BlamireFunctional oxides are used both as insulators and metallic conductors in key applications across all industrial sectors. This makes them attractive candidates in modern technology ? they make solar cells cheaper, computers more efficient and medical instrumentation more sensitive. Based on recent research, experts in the field describe novel materials, their properties and applications for energy systems, semiconductors, electronics, catalysts and thin films. This monograph is divided into 6 parts which allows the reader to find their topic of interest quickly and efficiently. * Magnetic Oxides * Dopants, Defects and Ferromagnetism in Metal Oxides * Ferroelectrics * Multiferroics * Interfaces and Magnetism * Devices and Applications This book is a valuable asset to materials scientists, solid state chemists, solid state physicists, as well as engineers in the electric and automotive industries.
Functional Metamaterials and Metadevices (Springer Series in Materials Science #262)
by Xingcun Colin TongTo meet the demands of students, scientists and engineers for a systematic reference source, this book introduces, comprehensively and in a single voice, research and development progress in emerging metamaterials and derived functional metadevices. Coverage includes electromagnetic, optical, acoustic, thermal, and mechanical metamaterials and related metadevices. Metamaterials are artificially engineered composites with designed properties beyond those attainable in nature and with applications in all aspects of materials science. From spatially tailored dielectrics to tunable, dynamic materials properties and unique nonlinear behavior, metamaterial systems have demonstrated tremendous flexibility and functionality in electromagnetic, optical, acoustic, thermal, and mechanical engineering. Furthermore, the field of metamaterials has been extended from the mere pursuit of various exotic properties towards the realization of practical devices, leading to the concepts of dynamically-reconfigurable metadevices and functional metasurfaces. The book explores the fundamental physics, design, and engineering aspects, as well as the full array of state-of-the-art applications to electronics, telecommunications, antennas, and energy harvesting. Future challenges and potential in regard to design, modeling and fabrication are also addressed.
Functional Micro- and Nanosystems: Proceedings of the 4th caesarium, Bonn, June 16–18, 2003
by Karl-Heinz HoffmannThe 4th caesarium brought together world known experts reporting the state-of-the-art of Functional Micro-and Nanosystems. Its purpose was to identify and open up new research directions in this rapidly evolving new area and to discuss the potential with respect to applications in automotive, biochemical and information technology. Thin film technologies are an attractive approach to incorporate functional properties into micro- or nano-systems. The continuing development towards smaller structures is driven by the use of higher driving frequencies and thus smaller wavelengths, the growing integration of different functions, the higher degree of parallelism, and size requirements for the detection of bio-molecules. Hence this new technology opens up new possibilities in terms of high frequency wireless data transmission over long distances, sensors showing high spatial and time resolution and new devices to process biological, optical and electrical signals.
Functional Morphology of Feeding and Grooming in Crustacea
by Bruce E. Felgenhauer Anne. B Thistle L. WatlingAbetted by recent technological advances in scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as new preparative methods, these contributions examine crustacean anatomy, demonstrating (or at least inferring) the functions of morphological features. In addition to feeding and grooming, they also
Functional Morphology of Feeding and Grooming in Crustacea
by Bruce E. Felgenhauer Anne. B Thistle L. WatlingAbetted by recent technological advances in scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as new preparative methods, these contributions examine crustacean anatomy, demonstrating (or at least inferring) the functions of morphological features. In addition to feeding and grooming, they also
Functional Nanocomposites and Their Applications
by Sabu Thomas Nandakumar Kalarikkal Dhanya K. R Sanal P. SThis book, Functional Nanocomposites and Their Applications, explains innovative developments in nanocomposites. It covers novel findings and various applications of nanocomposites in different emerging fields. Chapters cover several types of nanocomposites as well as their synthesis, manufacturing, characteristics, and applications. Special emphasis is given to innovative works on functional nanocomposites and their relevant areas of use. The authors depict the stability and functionality of nanocomposites and their applications in various sectors, such as industrial, structural, biomedical, etc. Nanocomposites in wastewater treatment, MnO2 and graphene nanostructures, computer modeling of structure and mechanical behavior, polythiophene nanocomposites, and other topics are covered in the chapters.Nanocomposites have a high surface-to-volume ratio and hence have strong mechanical characteristics, making them suitable for application in the automotive and construction sectors. Nanocomposites show better property enhancement over conventional composites i.e., properties such as electrical, thermal, mechanical, and barrier. They have good transparency and also reduce the property of flammability. Other uses include power tool housing, electronic covers, and so forth.This book will help readers easily understand the effective implementation of different types of nanocomposites, such as for environmental remediation, biomedical applications, lightweight designed goods with better mechanical, thermal, or chemical resistance qualities, etc. This book will be valuable for scientists and engineers both in academics and industry.
Functional Nanocomposites and Their Applications
This book, Functional Nanocomposites and Their Applications, explains innovative developments in nanocomposites. It covers novel findings and various applications of nanocomposites in different emerging fields. Chapters cover several types of nanocomposites as well as their synthesis, manufacturing, characteristics, and applications. Special emphasis is given to innovative works on functional nanocomposites and their relevant areas of use. The authors depict the stability and functionality of nanocomposites and their applications in various sectors, such as industrial, structural, biomedical, etc. Nanocomposites in wastewater treatment, MnO2 and graphene nanostructures, computer modeling of structure and mechanical behavior, polythiophene nanocomposites, and other topics are covered in the chapters.Nanocomposites have a high surface-to-volume ratio and hence have strong mechanical characteristics, making them suitable for application in the automotive and construction sectors. Nanocomposites show better property enhancement over conventional composites i.e., properties such as electrical, thermal, mechanical, and barrier. They have good transparency and also reduce the property of flammability. Other uses include power tool housing, electronic covers, and so forth.This book will help readers easily understand the effective implementation of different types of nanocomposites, such as for environmental remediation, biomedical applications, lightweight designed goods with better mechanical, thermal, or chemical resistance qualities, etc. This book will be valuable for scientists and engineers both in academics and industry.
Functional Nanomaterials: Advances in Gas Sensing Technologies (Materials Horizons: From Nature to Nanomaterials)
by Sabu Thomas Nirav Joshi Vijay K. TomerThis book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-art in oxide nanostructures, carbon nanostructures and 2D materials fabrication. It covers mimicking of sensing mechanisms and applications in gas sensors. It focuses on gas sensors based on functional nanostructured materials, especially related to issues of sensitivity, selectivity, and temperature dependency for sensors. It covers synthesis, properties, and current gas sensing tools and discusses the necessity for miniaturized sensors. This book will be of use to senior undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, and researchers in the field of solid-state physics, materials science, surface science and chemical engineering.
Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
by Wai-Yeung Wong Qingchen DongPresents the most recent advances in the production and application of various functional nanomaterials As new synthetic methods, characterization technologies, and nanomaterials (NMs) with novel physical and chemical properties are developed, researchers and scientists across disciplines need to keep pace with advancements in the dynamic field. Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications provides comprehensive coverage of fundamental concepts, synthetic methods, characterization technologies, device fabrication, performance evaluation, and both current and emerging applications. Contributions from leading scientists in academia and industry present research developments of novel functional nanomaterials including metal nanoparticles, two-dimensional nanomaterials, perovskite-based nanomaterials, and polymer-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Topics include metal-based nanomaterials for electrochemical water splitting, cerium-based nanostructure materials for electrocatalysis, applications of rare earth luminescent nanomaterials, metal complex nanosheets, and methods for synthesizing polymer nanocomposites. Provides readers with timely and accurate information on the development of functional nanomaterials in nanoscience and nanotechnology Presents a critical perspective of the design strategy, synthesis, and characterization of advanced functional nanomaterials Focuses on recent research developments in emerging areas with emphasis on fundamental concepts and applications Explores functional nanomaterials for applications in areas such as electrocatalysis, bioengineering, optoelectronics, and electrochemistry Covers a diverse range of nanomaterials, including carbonaceous nanomaterials, metal-based nanomaterials, transition metal dichalcogenides-based nanomaterials, semiconducting molecules, and magnetic nanoparticlesFunctional Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications is an invaluable resource for chemists, materials scientists, electronics engineers, bioengineers, and others in the scientific community working with nanomaterials in the fields of energy, electronics, and biomedicine.
Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
by Wai-Yeung Wong Qingchen DongPresents the most recent advances in the production and application of various functional nanomaterials As new synthetic methods, characterization technologies, and nanomaterials (NMs) with novel physical and chemical properties are developed, researchers and scientists across disciplines need to keep pace with advancements in the dynamic field. Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications provides comprehensive coverage of fundamental concepts, synthetic methods, characterization technologies, device fabrication, performance evaluation, and both current and emerging applications. Contributions from leading scientists in academia and industry present research developments of novel functional nanomaterials including metal nanoparticles, two-dimensional nanomaterials, perovskite-based nanomaterials, and polymer-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Topics include metal-based nanomaterials for electrochemical water splitting, cerium-based nanostructure materials for electrocatalysis, applications of rare earth luminescent nanomaterials, metal complex nanosheets, and methods for synthesizing polymer nanocomposites. Provides readers with timely and accurate information on the development of functional nanomaterials in nanoscience and nanotechnology Presents a critical perspective of the design strategy, synthesis, and characterization of advanced functional nanomaterials Focuses on recent research developments in emerging areas with emphasis on fundamental concepts and applications Explores functional nanomaterials for applications in areas such as electrocatalysis, bioengineering, optoelectronics, and electrochemistry Covers a diverse range of nanomaterials, including carbonaceous nanomaterials, metal-based nanomaterials, transition metal dichalcogenides-based nanomaterials, semiconducting molecules, and magnetic nanoparticlesFunctional Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications is an invaluable resource for chemists, materials scientists, electronics engineers, bioengineers, and others in the scientific community working with nanomaterials in the fields of energy, electronics, and biomedicine.
Functional Nanomaterials and Devices for Electronics, Sensors and Energy Harvesting (Engineering Materials)
by Alexei Nazarov Francis Balestra Valeriya Kilchytska Denis FlandreThis book contains reviews of recent experimental and theoretical results related to nanomaterials. It focuses on novel functional materials and nanostructures in combination with silicon on insulator (SOI) devices, as well as on the physics of new devices and sensors, nanostructured materials and nano scaled device characterization. Special attention is paid to fabrication and properties of modern low-power, high-performance, miniaturized, portable sensors in a wide range of applications such as telecommunications, radiation control, biomedical instrumentation and chemical analysis. In this book, new approaches exploiting nanotechnologies (such as UTBB FD SOI, Fin FETs, nanowires, graphene or carbon nanotubes on dielectric) to pave a way between “More Moore” and “More than Moore” are considered, in order to create different kinds of sensors and devices which will consume less electrical power, be more portable and totally compatible with modern microelectronics products.
Functional Nanomaterials for Regenerative Tissue Medicines (Emerging Materials and Technologies)
by Mariappan RajanThis book covers nanomaterials in tissue engineering for regenerative therapies of heart, skin, eye, skeletal muscle, and the nervous system. The book emphasizes fundamental design concepts and emerging forms of nanomaterials in soft- and hard-tissue engineering. FEATURES Fills a gap in the literature related to the application of nanomaterials in hard- and soft-tissue regeneration, repair, and restructure Discusses a variety of applications, including cardiac, kidney, liver, bone, wound healing, artificial organs, and dental Presents advantages and limitations of various nanomaterials alongside future challenges Functional Nanomaterials for Regenerative Tissue Medicines is essential for academics and industry professionals working in tissue engineering, biomedicine, biopharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology. It is primarily intended for materials researchers (to develop the platforms related to tissue regeneration) as well as clinicians (to learn and apply nanomaterials in their practice) and industrial scientists (to develop commercial blood substitute products).
Functional Nanomaterials for Regenerative Tissue Medicines (Emerging Materials and Technologies)
by Mariappan RajanThis book covers nanomaterials in tissue engineering for regenerative therapies of heart, skin, eye, skeletal muscle, and the nervous system. The book emphasizes fundamental design concepts and emerging forms of nanomaterials in soft- and hard-tissue engineering. FEATURES Fills a gap in the literature related to the application of nanomaterials in hard- and soft-tissue regeneration, repair, and restructure Discusses a variety of applications, including cardiac, kidney, liver, bone, wound healing, artificial organs, and dental Presents advantages and limitations of various nanomaterials alongside future challenges Functional Nanomaterials for Regenerative Tissue Medicines is essential for academics and industry professionals working in tissue engineering, biomedicine, biopharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology. It is primarily intended for materials researchers (to develop the platforms related to tissue regeneration) as well as clinicians (to learn and apply nanomaterials in their practice) and industrial scientists (to develop commercial blood substitute products).
Functional Nanomaterials for Sensors (Emerging Materials and Technologies)
by Suresh Sagadevan Won-Chun OhBecause of their novel chemical and physical properties, functional nanomaterials have found increasing industrial applications in nanoelectronics, energy science, and biological applications. Functional Nanomaterials for Sensors surveys advances in functional nanomaterials and their use in sensing. It covers their properties, synthesis, design, fabrication, and their applications, including in chemical, biological, and gas sensing, environmental remediation, fuel cells, catalysis, electronic devices, and biotechnology. FEATURES: • Describes how nanomaterial functionalization is being used to create more effective sensors • Discusses various synthesis procedures, characterization techniques, and which nanomaterials should be used for sensing applications • Provides an in-depth look into oxide nanostructures, carbon nanostructures, and two-dimensional (2D) material fabrication • Explores the challenges of using nanoscale sensors for large-scale industrial applications This book is aimed at materials, chemical, biotech, and electronics researchers and industry professionals working on sensor design and development.
Functional Nanomaterials for Sensors (Emerging Materials and Technologies)
Because of their novel chemical and physical properties, functional nanomaterials have found increasing industrial applications in nanoelectronics, energy science, and biological applications. Functional Nanomaterials for Sensors surveys advances in functional nanomaterials and their use in sensing. It covers their properties, synthesis, design, fabrication, and their applications, including in chemical, biological, and gas sensing, environmental remediation, fuel cells, catalysis, electronic devices, and biotechnology. FEATURES: • Describes how nanomaterial functionalization is being used to create more effective sensors • Discusses various synthesis procedures, characterization techniques, and which nanomaterials should be used for sensing applications • Provides an in-depth look into oxide nanostructures, carbon nanostructures, and two-dimensional (2D) material fabrication • Explores the challenges of using nanoscale sensors for large-scale industrial applications This book is aimed at materials, chemical, biotech, and electronics researchers and industry professionals working on sensor design and development.
Functional Nanostructured Materials and Membranes for Water Treatment (New Materials for Sustainable Energy and Development)
by Max LuMembranes have emerged over the last 30 years as a viable water treatment technology. Earth's population is growing and the need for alternative ways to generate potable water is rising. The recent advent of nanotechnology opens the door to improving processes in membrane technology, which is a promising step on the way to solving the earth's potable water problem. Current performance is enhanced and new concepts are possible by engineering on the nanoscale. This book presents key areas of nanotechnology such as fouling tolerant and robust membranes, enhanced destruction of pollutants and faster monitoring of water quality. 'Functional Nanostructured Materials and Membranes for Water Treatment' is part of the series on Materials for Sustainable Energy and Development edited by Prof. G.Q. Max Lu. The series covers advances in materials science and innovation for renewable energy, clean use of fossil energy, and greenhouse gas mitigation and associated environmental technologies.
Functional Nanostructured Materials and Membranes for Water Treatment (New Materials for Sustainable Energy and Development)
by Max LuMembranes have emerged over the last 30 years as a viable water treatment technology. Earth's population is growing and the need for alternative ways to generate potable water is rising. The recent advent of nanotechnology opens the door to improving processes in membrane technology, which is a promising step on the way to solving the earth's potable water problem. Current performance is enhanced and new concepts are possible by engineering on the nanoscale. This book presents key areas of nanotechnology such as fouling tolerant and robust membranes, enhanced destruction of pollutants and faster monitoring of water quality. 'Functional Nanostructured Materials and Membranes for Water Treatment' is part of the series on Materials for Sustainable Energy and Development edited by Prof. G.Q. Max Lu. The series covers advances in materials science and innovation for renewable energy, clean use of fossil energy, and greenhouse gas mitigation and associated environmental technologies.
Functional Nanostructured Membranes
by Enrico Drioli Lidietta Giorno Annarosa GugliuzzaA membrane is considered the heart of every separation process because it is developed as a nanostructured/nanofunctionalized thin barrier that controls the exchange between two phases, not only by external forces and under the effect of fluid properties, but also through the intrinsic characteristics of the membrane material itself. This book compiles cutting-edge research in membrane science, nanomaterials, and nanotechnologies, mainly from interdisciplinary research groups at the Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council (ITM-CNR), Italy, working on membrane design, membrane process engineering, and selected materials and practices for enhanced transport mass, charge, and energy. It covers topics on the design of new nanostructured membranes with improved properties, together with the identification of efficient transport–property relationships. It shares and strengthens the knowledge of making membrane technology a much more powerful and eco-friendly route, enabling one to provide prospective solutions and benefits for numerous fields of applications where traditional separation technologies suffer from many deficiencies. It is a great reference for researchers and investigators; graduate, PhD, and postgraduate students; and end users interested in membrane science and technology, nanomaterials, eco-friendly separation, chemistry, biology, and process engineering.
Functional Nanostructured Membranes
by Enrico Drioli Lidietta Giorno Annarosa GugliuzzaA membrane is considered the heart of every separation process because it is developed as a nanostructured/nanofunctionalized thin barrier that controls the exchange between two phases, not only by external forces and under the effect of fluid properties, but also through the intrinsic characteristics of the membrane material itself. This book compiles cutting-edge research in membrane science, nanomaterials, and nanotechnologies, mainly from interdisciplinary research groups at the Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council (ITM-CNR), Italy, working on membrane design, membrane process engineering, and selected materials and practices for enhanced transport mass, charge, and energy. It covers topics on the design of new nanostructured membranes with improved properties, together with the identification of efficient transport–property relationships. It shares and strengthens the knowledge of making membrane technology a much more powerful and eco-friendly route, enabling one to provide prospective solutions and benefits for numerous fields of applications where traditional separation technologies suffer from many deficiencies. It is a great reference for researchers and investigators; graduate, PhD, and postgraduate students; and end users interested in membrane science and technology, nanomaterials, eco-friendly separation, chemistry, biology, and process engineering.
Functional Nanostructures: Processing, Characterization, and Applications (Nanostructure Science and Technology)
by Sudipta SealThis is the first book about functional nanostructures. Nanocrystalline materials exhibit outstanding properties and represent a new class of structural materials having a wide range of applications. In particular, there is considerable interest in developing nanocrystalline materials to be used as functional materials in aerospace applications, automotive industry, wear applications, etc. Future progress in these high technological applications of nanocrystalline materials depends on development of new methods of their fabrication and understanding of the underlying nano-scale and interface effects causing their unique mechanical properties.
Functional Nanostructures and Metamaterials for Superconducting Spintronics: From Superconducting Qubits to Self-Organized Nanostructures (NanoScience and Technology)
by Anatolie SidorenkoThis book demonstrates how the new phenomena in the nanometer scale serve as the basis for the invention and development of novel nanoelectronic devices and how they are used for engineering nanostructures and metamaterials with unusual properties. It discusses topics such as superconducting spin-valve effect and thermal spin transport, which are important for developing spintronics; fabrication of nanostructures from antagonistic materials like ferromagnets and superconductors, which lead to a novel non-conventional FFLO-superconducting state; calculations of functional nanostructures with an exotic triplet superconductivity, which are the basis for novel nanoelectronic devices, such as superconducting spin valve, thin-film superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) and memory-elements (MRAM). Starting with theoretical chapters about triplet superconductivity, the book then introduces new ideas and approaches in the fundamentals of superconducting electronics. It presents various quantum devices based on the new theoretical approaches, demonstrating the enormous potential of the electronics of 21st century - spintronics. The book is useful for a broad audience, including researchers, engineers, PhD graduates, students and others wanting to gain insights into the frontiers of nanoscience.
Functional Nanostructures and Sensors for CBRN Defence and Environmental Safety and Security (NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security)
by Anatolie Sidorenko Horst HahnOver the last decade, techniques for materials preparation and processing at nanometer scale have advanced rapidly, leading to the introduction of novel principles for a new generation of sensors and detectors. At the same time, the chemical industry, transport and agriculture produce huge amounts of dangerous waste gases and liquids, leading to soil, air and water contamination. One more modern threat - international terrorism - demands that scientists make efforts to apply new principles and technologies to protect society against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks and to develop novel effective technologies for the remediation of large contaminated areas. Accordingly, the main goal of this book is to bring together experts (theorists, experimentalists, engineers and technologists) for an extensive discussion covering: novel principles for functional nanostructures and detector fabrication and implementation, the development of novel technologies for the deactivation of CBRN agents, their experimental realization and their application in novel monitoring and control systems, and technological processes for soil and water remediation, with a view to environmental protection and defence against CBRN-based terrorism. In keeping with the book’s main goal, the following topics are highlighted and discussed: - Sensors and detectors - detection of chemicals, principles of “artificial nose” and chemical “micro-lab on a chip” design, surface and underground water quality monitoring systems, molecular electronics, superconducting electronic devices, quantum detectors and Qubits. - Environmental protection and CBRN - detection of infrared, microwave, X-ray and terahertz radiation. Principles for novel IR-, UV-, and Terahertz-wave devices for the detection of low-contrast objects. - Novel technological processes for CBRN destruction and deactivation. All these topics are strongly interrelated, both with regard to fundamental aspects and to fabrication and implementation technologies; in addition, they are highly promising for application in novel functional devices, computer logics, sensing and detection of low-concentration chemicals, weak and extremely weak magnetic and microwave fields, infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Given its scope, the book will be a useful and interesting guide for a broad readership of engineers, scientists, PhD students and experts in the area of defence against environmental terrorism.