Self-Assembly and Nanotechnology Systems. Design, Characterization, and Applications

Delivers comprehensive coverage of key subjects in self-assembly and nanotechnology, approaching these and related topics with one unified concept. Designed for students and professionals alike, it explores a variety of materials and situations in which the importance of self-assembly nanotechnology is growing tremendously. Provides clear schematic illustrations to represent the mainstream principles behind each topic.

This carefully selected balance of tutorial-like review chapters and advanced research covers hot topics in the field of biointerfaces, biosensing, nanoparticles at interfaces, and functionalized quantum dots. It also includes chapters arising from non-published work with topics such as surface design and their applications, as well as new developments in analytical tools for materials science and life science. Based on the very close and complementary collaboration of three distinguished leading research groups, this book highlights recent advances in the field ranging from synthesis and fabrication of organic and polymeric materials, surface and interface science to advanced analytical methods. It thus addresses new concepts in micro- and nanofabrication, bio-nanotechnology, biosensors and the necessary compositional and structural analysis. Particular attention is paid throughout to complex hierarchical interface architectures and possible applications of the chemical and physical methodologies discussed, covering bio-diagnostics, novel biosensors and adhesion science. With its unique combination of expertise from chemistry, physics, biology, surface science and engineering, this is a valuable companion for students, practitioners and established experts.

Varactors are passive semiconductor devices used in electronic circuits, as a voltage-controlled way of storing energy in order to boost the amount of electric charge produced. In the past, the use of low-cost fabrication processes such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and silicon germanium (SiGe) were kept for integrated circuits working in frequency ranges below the GHz. Now, the increased working frequency of radio frequency integrated circuits (RF ICs) for communication devices, and the trend of system-on-chip technology, has pushed the requirements of varactors to the limit. As the frequency of RF applications continues to rise, it is essential that passive devices such as varactors are of optimum quality, making this a critical design issue. Initially describing the physical phenomena that occur in passive devices within standard IC fabrication processes, Design and Characterization of Integrated Varactors for RF Applications goes on to: present information on the design of wide band electrical varactor models (up to 5 GHz) which enable the accurate prediction of device performance; propose a specific methodology for the measurement of integrated varactors, covering on-wafer measurement structures, the calibration process, and detailed descriptions of the required equipment; explain de-embedding techniques and also analyse confidence level and uncertainty linked to the test set-up; examine the design of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit as a practical example of the employment of methods discussed in the book. Providing the reader with the necessary technical knowledge for dealing with challenging VCO designs, this book is an essential guide for practising RF and microwave engineers working on the design of electronic devices for integrated circuits. It is also a useful reference for postgraduate students and researchers interested in electronic design for RF applications.

Be a part of the nanotechnology revolution in telecommunications This book provides a unique and thought-provoking perspective on how nanotechnology is poised to revolutionize the telecommunications, computing, and networking industries. The author discusses emerging technologies as well as technologies under development that will lay the foundation for such innovations as: * Nanomaterials with novel optical, electrical, and magnetic properties * Faster and smaller non-silicon-based chipsets, memory, and processors * New-science computers based on Quantum Computing * Advanced microscopy and manufacturing systems * Faster and smaller telecom switches, including optical switches * Higher-speed transmission phenomena based on plasmonics and other quantum-level phenomena * Nanoscale MEMS: micro-electro-mechanical systems The author of this cutting-edge publication has played a role in the development of actual nanotechnology-based communication systems. In this book, he examines a broad range of the science of nanotechnology and how this field will affect every facet of the telecommunications and computing industries, in both the near and far term, including: * Basic concepts of nanotechnology and its applications * Essential physics and chemistry underlying nanotechnology science * Nanotubes, nanomaterials, and nanomaterial processing * Promising applications in nanophotonics, including nanocrystals and nanocrystal fibers * Nanoelectronics, including metal nanoclusters, semiconducting nanoclusters, nanocrystals, nanowires, and quantum dots This book is written for telecommunications professionals, researchers, and students who need to discover and exploit emerging revenue-generating opportunities to develop the next generation of nanoscale telecommunications and network systems. Non-scientists will find the treatment completely accessible. A detailed glossary clarifies unfamiliar terms and concepts. Appendices are provided for readers who want to delve further into the hard-core science, including nanoinstrumentation and quantum computing. Nanotechnology is the next industrial revolution, and the telecommunications industry will be radically transformed by it in a few years. This is the publication that readers need to understand how that transformation will happen, the science behind it, and how they can be a part of it.

Macrocyclic molecules contain rings made up of seven or more atoms. They are interesting because they provide building blocks for synthesizing precise two or three dimensional structures – an important goal in nanotechnology. For example, they can be used to develop nanosized reaction vessels, cages, switches and shuttles, and have potential as components in molecular computers. They also have applications as catalysts and sensors. Macrocycles: Construction, Chemistry and Nanotechnology Applications is an essential introduction this important class of molecules and describes how to synthesise them, their chemistry, how they can be used as nanotechnology building blocks, and their applications. A wide range of structures synthesised over the past few decades are covered, from the simpler cyclophanes and multi-ring aromatic structures to vases, bowls, cages and more complex multi-ring systems and 3D architectures such as “pumpkins”, interlocking chains and knots. Topics covered include: principles of macrocycle synthesis simple ring compounds multi-ring aromatic structures porphyrins and phthalocanines cyclophanes crown ethers, cryptands and spherands calixarenes, resorcinarenes, cavitands, carcerands, and heterocalixarenes cyclodextrins cucurbiturils cyclotriveratylenes rotaxanes catenanes complex 3D architectures, including trefoils and knots Macrocycles: Construction, Chemistry and Nanotechnology Applications distills the essence of this important topic for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and for researchers in other fields interested in getting a general insight into this increasingly important class of molecules.

Refrigeration Systems and Applications, 2nd edition offers a comprehensive treatise that addresses real-life technical and operational problems, enabling the reader to gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and the practical applications of refrigeration technology. New and unique analysis techniques (including exergy as a potential tool), models, correlations, procedures and applications are covered, and recent developments in the field are included – many of which are taken from the author's own research activities in this area. The book also includes some discussion of global warming issues and its potential solutions. Enables the reader to gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and the practical applications of refrigeration technologies. Discusses crucial industrial technical and operational problems, as well as new performance improvement techniques and tools for better design and analysis. Includes fundamental aspects of thermodynamics, fluid flow, and heat transfer; refrigerants; refrigeration cycles and systems; advanced refrigeration cycles and systems, including some novel applications; heat pumps; heat pipes; and many more. Provides easy to follow explanations, numerous new chapter-end problems and worked-out examples as learning aids for students and instructors. Refrigeration is extensively used in a variety of thermal engineering applications ranging from the cooling of electronic devices to food cooling processes. Its wide-ranging implications and applications mean that this industry plays a key role in national and international economies, and it continues to be an area of active research and development. Refrigeration Systems and Applications, 2nd edition forms a useful reference source for graduate and postgraduate students and researchers in academia and as well as practicing engineers working in this important field who are interested in refrigeration systems and applications and the methods and analysis tools for their analysis, design and performance improvement.

The definitive text/reference for students, researchers and practicing engineers This book provides comprehensive coverage on refrigeration systems and applications, ranging from the fundamental principles of thermodynamics to food cooling applications for a wide range of sectoral utilizations. Energy and exergy analyses as well as performance assessments through energy and exergy efficiencies and energetic and exergetic coefficients of performance are explored, and numerous analysis techniques, models, correlations and procedures are introduced with examples and case studies. There are specific sections allocated to environmental impact assessment and sustainable development studies. Also featured are discussions of important recent developments in the field, including those stemming from the author’s pioneering research. Refrigeration is a uniquely positioned multi-disciplinary field encompassing mechanical, chemical, industrial and food engineering, as well as chemistry. Its wide-ranging applications mean that the industry plays a key role in national and international economies. And it continues to be an area of active research, much of it focusing on making the technology as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible without compromising cost efficiency and effectiveness. This substantially updated and revised edition of the classic text/reference now features two new chapters devoted to renewable-energy-based integrated refrigeration systems and environmental impact/sustainability assessment. All examples and chapter-end problems have been updated as have conversion factors and the thermophysical properties of an array of materials. Provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles and the practical applications of refrigeration technologies Examines fundamental aspects of thermodynamics, refrigerants, as well as energy and exergy analyses and energy and exergy based performance assessment criteria and approaches Introduces environmental impact assessment methods and sustainability evaluation of refrigeration systems and applications Covers basic and advanced (and hence integrated) refrigeration cycles and systems, as well as a range of novel applications Discusses crucial industrial, technical and operational problems, as well as new performance improvement techniques and tools for better design and analysis Features clear explanations, numerous chapter-end problems and worked-out examples Refrigeration Systems and Applications, Third Edition is an indispensable working resource for researchers and practitioners in the areas of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. It is also an ideal textbook for graduate and senior undergraduate students in mechanical, chemical, biochemical, industrial and food engineering disciplines.

Syndiotactic Polystyrene (SPS), synthesized in a laboratory for the first time in 1985, has become commercialized in a very short time, with wide acceptance on the global plastics market. Written by leading experts from academia and industry from all over the world, Syndiotactic Polystyrene offers a comprehensive review of all aspects of SPS of interest to both science and industry, from preparation and properties to applications. This essential reference to SPS covers: The preparation of syndiotactic polystyrene by half-metallocenes and other transition metal catalysts The structure and fundamental properties, especially morphology and crystallization and solution behavior The commercial process for SPS manufacturing Properties, processing, and applications of syndiotactic polystyrenes Polymers based on syndiotactic polystyrenes, for example, by functionalization and modification, and nanocomposites Ideal for polymer chemists, physicists, plastics engineers, materials scientists, and all those dealing with plastics manufacturing and processing, this important resource provides the information one needs to compare, select, and integrate an appropriate materials solution for industrial use or research.

The comprehensive guide to engineering alternative and renewable energy systems and applications—updated for the latest trends and technologies This book was designed tohelp engineers develop new solutions for the current energy economy. To that end it provides technical discussions, along with numerous real-world examples of virtually all existing alternative energy sources, applications, systems and system components. All chapters focus on first-order engineering calculations, and consider alternative uses of existing and renewable energy resources. Just as important, the author describes how to apply these concepts to the development of new energy solutions. Since the publication of the critically acclaimed first edition of this book, the alternative, renewable and sustainable energy industries have witnessed significant evolution and growth. Hydraulic fracturing, fossil fuel reserve increases, the increasing popularity of hybrid and all-electric vehicles, and the decreasing cost of solar power already have had a significant impact on energy usage patterns worldwide. Updated and revised to reflect those and other key developments, this new edition features expanded coverage of topics covered in the first edition, as well as entirely new chapters on hydraulic fracturing and fossil fuels, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, and more. Begins with a fascinating look at the changing face of global energy economy Features chapters devoted to virtually all sources of alternative energy and energy systems Offers technical discussions of hydropower, wind, passive solar and solar-thermal, photovoltaics, fuel cells, CHP systems, geothermal, ocean energy, biomass, and nuclear Contains updated chapter review questions, homework problems, and a thoroughly revised solutions manual, available on the companion website While Alternative Energy Systems and Applications, Second Edition is an ideal textbook/reference for advanced undergraduate and graduate level engineering courses in energy-related subjects, it is also an indispensable professional resource for engineers and technicians working in areas related to the development of alternative/renewable energy systems.

Explores bioconjugate properties and applications of polymers, dendrimers, lipids, nanoparticles, and nanotubes Bioconjugation has enabled breakthroughs across many areas of industry and biomedicine. With its emphasis on synthesis, properties and applications, this book enables readers to understand the connection between chemistry and the biological application of bioconjugated materials. Its detailed descriptions of methods make it possible for researchers to fabricate and take full advantage of bioconjugates for a broad range of applications. Moreover, the book sets the foundation for the development of new applications, including assays, imaging, biosensors, drug delivery, and diagnostics. Chemistry of Bioconjugates features contributions from an international team of leading experts and pioneers in the field. These contributions reflect the authors’ firsthand laboratory experience as well as a thorough review of the current literature. The book’s six sections examine: General methods of bioconjugation Polymer bioconjugates Organic nanoparticle-based bioconjugates Inorganic nanomaterial bioconjugates, including metals and metal oxides Cell-based, hydrogel/microgel, and glyco-bioconjugates Characterization, physico-(bio)chemical properties, and applications of bioconjugates This comprehensive exploration of bioconjugates includes discussions of polymers, dendrimers, lipids, nanoparticles, and nanotubes. References at the end of each chapter serve as a gateway to the most important original research findings and reviews in the field. By drawing together and analyzing all the latest chemical methods and research findings on the physico-chemical and biochemical properties of bioconjugates, Chemistry of Bioconjugates sheds new light on the significance and potential of bioconjugation. The book is recommended for organic and polymer chemists, biochemists, biomaterial scientists, carbohydrate chemists, biophysicists, bioengineers, and drug and gene delivery scientists.