Colloid and Interface Chemistry for Nanotechnology

Colloid and interface science dealt with nanoscale objects for nearly a century before the term nanotechnology was coined. An interdisciplinary field, it bridges the macroscopic world and the small world of atoms and molecules. Colloid and Interface Chemistry for Nanotechnology is a collection of manuscripts reflecting the activities of research teams that have been involved in the networking project Colloid and Interface Chemistry for Nanotechnology (2006–2011), Action D43, the European Science Foundation. The project was a part of the intergovernmental framework for Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), allowing the coordination of nationally funded research across Europe.

With contributions by leading experts, this book covers a wide range of topics. Chapters are grouped into three sections: "Nanoparticle Synthesis and Characterization," "New Experimental Tools and Interpretation," and "Nanocolloidal Dispersions and Interfaces." The topics covered belong to six basic research areas: (1) The synthesis of nanostructured materials of well-defined size and function; (2) Analytical methods and tools for control and characterization of synthesized nanomaterials; (3) Self-assembly of nanomaterials, such as microemulsions and micelles, and their applications; (4) Bioinspired nanostructured materials―structure, properties, and applications; (5) Design of active, soft functional interfaces with unique properties for sensors, catalysts, and biomedical assays; and (6) Nanoscale elements in soft nanoscale devices for applications in analytical and biomedical sciences.

This book describes highlights in nanotechnology based on state-of-the-art principles in colloid and interface science, demonstrating how great progress in the various branches of nanotechnology can be achieved. The application of these principles allows for the development of new experimental and theoretical tools.

Peter Kralchevsky received a Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1985 from the Sofia University, Bulgaria. Since 2002, he has been a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Sofia University. He is co-author of more than 170 publications. Professor Kralchevsky’s scientific interests are in the area of thin liquid films and surface forces, capillary forces and phenomena, thermodynamics and kinetics of surfactant adsorption, micellization, and solubilization. He was chair of EU COST Action "Colloid and Interface Chemistry for Nanotechnology" (2008-2011) and is presently secretary of the European Colloid and Interface Society (ECIS).

Reinhard Miller studied mathematics in Rostock and colloid science in Dresden. He received a Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1978 in Berlin. Since 1992, he has been a senior scientist at the MPI of colloids and interfaces in Potsdam, Germany. Dr. Miller is co-author of more than 450 publications. His scientific interests are dynamics of interfacial layers, interfacial rheology, and foams and emulsions. He is currently president of the ECIS.

Francesca Ravera studied physics at the University of Genoa (Italy) and physical chemistry of surfaces at the University of Aix-Marseille (1991-1992). Since 2002, she has been a senior researcher at CNR – Institute for Energetics and Interfaces in Genoa. Dr. Ravera is co-author of more than 100 publications. Her principal scientific interests are adsorption of surfactants and transport processes in liquids, dynamic interfacial phenomena, interfacial rheology, and foams and emulsions.