Science and engineering of nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanomaterials possess different properties compared with macroscopic (bulk) materials built up from the same atoms or compounds. The production routes, characterization, and applications of materials sized on the nanometer scale also differ from the bulk. In this chapter we define nanomaterials and the specific science that describes them, and collect examples of synthesis and applications of a range of these materials; we also dedicate an extended part of the chapter to material properties, e.g., morphology, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. In both the general and specific parts of the chapter, emphasis is placed on the differences from the bulk phase bulk phase of the same material and, if possible, the size dependence of the various material properties. Following the handbook format, the chapter is concise and covers various common properties of nanomaterials and correlations with which nanoscientists work; however, we insert specific parts which have some curiosity value, as well as several aspects of our own research.