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08/5/2009 - Nanomaterials--An Introduction to Synthesis, Properties and Applications (2008)
edited by Dieter Vollath


ISBN: 978-3-527-31531-4. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co, Weinheim, Germany. Softcover. 352 pages. $115.00.

REVIEWED BY: Waseem Haider, Researcher, Florida International University



Nanomaterials--An Introduction to synthesis, Properties and Applications edited by Dieter Vollath is a great introductory book on the basics of nanomaterials and nanotechnology. The book starts from the very basic concepts in the field of nanomaterials. Readers with no prior knowledge of the subject may find Chapter 1 to Chapter 3 very helpful in laying the necessary background for them. Surfaces of nanomaterials play an important role in determining their final properties. Similarly, thermodynamics of phase transformations of nanoparticles was discussed briefly before in depth discussion of phase transformations which I believe is very helpful for the reader to understand the basics behind the phase transformations of nanoparticles. Chapters 5 to Chapter 8 are the most interesting part of the book. These chapters focus on magnetic, optical, electrical and mechanical properties of nanoparticles with very good examples. Nowadays, these properties of nanomaterials and nanocomposites are of major interest to many industrial researchers.

The book shows how to produce nanomaterials and use them in engineering applications for novel products. The last three chapters of the book emphasize the emerging applications of nanomaterials in the field of nanotechnology. The synthesis of nanotubes, nanorods, and nanoplates are explained and different methods of preparation are elaborated. The feature of nanomaterials is discussed in an excellent way from an applications-oriented prospective.

The concise layout of the topics in their respective chapters is noteworthy. The pedagogical layout is very appropriate for college students. References at the end of each chapter prove to be very helpful for the reader who wants in depth knowledge about the particular topic.

From an aesthetic perspective, this book is thoughtfully laid out with an effective balance of text and schematics. It would be a very good read for an advanced reader in the field of nanomaterials with a little forehand knowledge of physics and chemistry. Moreover, industrial researchers will also find this book as a useful tool. With all that being said, I sincerely recommend this book to everyone who needs a solid understanding of nanomaterials.


For more on Nanomaterials--An Introduction to Synthesis, Properties and Applications, visit the Wiley-VCH web site.


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