Semiconductor Nanoclusters - Physical, Chemical, and Catalytic Aspects

During the past decade there has been a phenomenal growth in the basic research of semiconductor nanoclusters and other nanomaterials. As the field has evolved the emphasis has shifted from basic theoretical description to field utilization of nanostructure-based devices. The topics of the various chapters presented in this book, written by leaders in the field, highlight the salient features of nanocrystalline semiconductor materials. Features of this book: - Provides synthetic strategies to generate ultrasmall particles, films and wires - Describes the characterization methodologies of a large number of nanomaterials from the molecular level to the long-range crystallographic ordering - Develops theoretical descriptions of present-day quantum confinement effects in various materials, including metallic particles, III-V semiconductors, and porous silicon - Explores the fate of photoinduced charge carriers in these materials and the phenomena of charge transfer across interfaces - Covers the utilization of these newly discovered effects in analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, environmental remediation, and electrochemistry. The aim of the book is to present the necessary background material for advanced undergraduate students in the field of physical chemistry and materials science and provide a reference book for the experts in this area.