Author: Sagar D. Delekar
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 032385706X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 745
Book Description
Advances in Metal Oxides and their Composites for Emerging Applications reviews key properties of metal-oxide based composites, including their structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical components and resulting performance in a wide range of diverse applications. Synthetic protocols used to create metal oxides with desirable morphologies, properties and performance for applications in solar energy harvesting, energy storage and environmental remediation are emphasized. Emerging technologies that address important global challenges such as energy shortage, the hazardous effects of non-renewable energy sources, unaffordable energy technologies, and the contaminants present in air and water are also covered. This book is an ideal resource for materials scientists and engineers working in academia and R&D. In addition, it's appropriate for those who either need an introduction to potential research directions or for experienced researchers and practitioners looking for a key reference on the latest advances. - Introduces the fundamental properties of metal oxide-based composites, paying special attention to physicochemical, optical, electrical and structural characteristics - Provides an overview of the synthetic protocols used to design and tune the properties of metal oxide-based composites for key emerging applications - Discusses metal oxide-based composites and their use in energy applications such as energy storage, energy harvesting and environmental remediation
Advances in Metal Oxides and Their Composites for Emerging Applications
Author: Sagar D. Delekar
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 032385706X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 745
Book Description
Advances in Metal Oxides and their Composites for Emerging Applications reviews key properties of metal-oxide based composites, including their structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical components and resulting performance in a wide range of diverse applications. Synthetic protocols used to create metal oxides with desirable morphologies, properties and performance for applications in solar energy harvesting, energy storage and environmental remediation are emphasized. Emerging technologies that address important global challenges such as energy shortage, the hazardous effects of non-renewable energy sources, unaffordable energy technologies, and the contaminants present in air and water are also covered. This book is an ideal resource for materials scientists and engineers working in academia and R&D. In addition, it's appropriate for those who either need an introduction to potential research directions or for experienced researchers and practitioners looking for a key reference on the latest advances. - Introduces the fundamental properties of metal oxide-based composites, paying special attention to physicochemical, optical, electrical and structural characteristics - Provides an overview of the synthetic protocols used to design and tune the properties of metal oxide-based composites for key emerging applications - Discusses metal oxide-based composites and their use in energy applications such as energy storage, energy harvesting and environmental remediation
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 032385706X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 745
Book Description
Advances in Metal Oxides and their Composites for Emerging Applications reviews key properties of metal-oxide based composites, including their structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical components and resulting performance in a wide range of diverse applications. Synthetic protocols used to create metal oxides with desirable morphologies, properties and performance for applications in solar energy harvesting, energy storage and environmental remediation are emphasized. Emerging technologies that address important global challenges such as energy shortage, the hazardous effects of non-renewable energy sources, unaffordable energy technologies, and the contaminants present in air and water are also covered. This book is an ideal resource for materials scientists and engineers working in academia and R&D. In addition, it's appropriate for those who either need an introduction to potential research directions or for experienced researchers and practitioners looking for a key reference on the latest advances. - Introduces the fundamental properties of metal oxide-based composites, paying special attention to physicochemical, optical, electrical and structural characteristics - Provides an overview of the synthetic protocols used to design and tune the properties of metal oxide-based composites for key emerging applications - Discusses metal oxide-based composites and their use in energy applications such as energy storage, energy harvesting and environmental remediation
Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage
Author: Meldin Mathew
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119717655
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 548
Book Description
Explore the energy storage applications of a wide variety of aerogels made from different materials In Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage, an expert team of researchers delivers a one-stop resource covering the state-of-the-art in aerogels for energy applications. The book covers their morphology, properties, and processability and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in materials science and environmentally friendly energy and power technology. The authors offer a comprehensive review of highly efficient energy applications of aerogels that bridges the gap between engineering, science, and chemistry and advances the field of materials development. They provide a Life Cycle Assessment of aerogels in energy systems, as well as discussions of their impact on the environment. Aerogel synthesis, characterization, fabrication, morphology, properties, energy-related applications, and simulations are all explored, and likely future research directions are provided. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to aerogels in energy, including state-of-the-art advancements and challenges newly encountered Comprehensive explorations of chitin-based and cellulose-derived aerogels, as well as lignin-, clay-, and carbon nanotube-based aerogels Practical discussions of organic, natural, and inorganic aerogels, with further analyses of the lifecycle of aerogels In-depth examinations of the theory, modeling, and simulation of aerogels Perfect for chemical and environmental engineers, Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage will also earn a place in the libraries of chemistry and materials science researchers in academia and industry.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119717655
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 548
Book Description
Explore the energy storage applications of a wide variety of aerogels made from different materials In Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage, an expert team of researchers delivers a one-stop resource covering the state-of-the-art in aerogels for energy applications. The book covers their morphology, properties, and processability and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in materials science and environmentally friendly energy and power technology. The authors offer a comprehensive review of highly efficient energy applications of aerogels that bridges the gap between engineering, science, and chemistry and advances the field of materials development. They provide a Life Cycle Assessment of aerogels in energy systems, as well as discussions of their impact on the environment. Aerogel synthesis, characterization, fabrication, morphology, properties, energy-related applications, and simulations are all explored, and likely future research directions are provided. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to aerogels in energy, including state-of-the-art advancements and challenges newly encountered Comprehensive explorations of chitin-based and cellulose-derived aerogels, as well as lignin-, clay-, and carbon nanotube-based aerogels Practical discussions of organic, natural, and inorganic aerogels, with further analyses of the lifecycle of aerogels In-depth examinations of the theory, modeling, and simulation of aerogels Perfect for chemical and environmental engineers, Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage will also earn a place in the libraries of chemistry and materials science researchers in academia and industry.
Smart Ceramics
Author: Ajay Kumar Mishra
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351671642
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 464
Book Description
Recent advances in nanotechnology have paved the way for the development of new smart materials. The term "smart ceramics" refers to ceramic materials fabricated from ultrafine particles. They have attracted the attention of researchers and scientists thanks to their potential to manipulate the length scale in the nanorange, leading to better and some unusual material properties. Smart ceramics ensure control of particle size, surface contamination, and degree of agglomeration. They play a crucial role in challenging applications such as bone surgery (e.g., the development of substitutes for load-bearing bone parts) and in biomedical science, especially in tissue engineering, dental applications, and drug and antigen delivery using modified ceramics. Porous nanostructured ceramics have potential use in both simple and complex applications, such as bioimaging, sensors, paints and pigments, optics, and electronics, because of their surface- and size-dependent properties. For the synthesis of smart ceramics, the sol-gel route has been mainly utilized because of its ability to produce a large variety of compositions and to ensure homogeneous mixing of the constituent particles at low temperature. This book describes the innovations in technologies through the development of functionalized ceramic materials for various applications. It also describes recent and expected challenges, along with their potential solutions, in advanced techniques for the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured ceramics and their composites: bioceramics, bioactive ceramics, multifunctional nanoceramics, transparent ceramics, nanocore shells, nanowires, thin films, nanotubes, and nanorods. The applications include the environment, health care, electrochemical sensors, high-temperature superconductors, nuclear reactor fuels, electrical insulators, refractory materials, electrical transformers, and magnetic core memory. The book will benefit researchers, scientists, engineers, and technologists working in the industry and in national and international research laboratories; academics who are interested in traditional and advanced smart ceramic composites; and students pursuing their postgraduate, graduate, and undergraduate degrees in smart ceramics, nanomaterials, nanoscience, and engineering.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351671642
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 464
Book Description
Recent advances in nanotechnology have paved the way for the development of new smart materials. The term "smart ceramics" refers to ceramic materials fabricated from ultrafine particles. They have attracted the attention of researchers and scientists thanks to their potential to manipulate the length scale in the nanorange, leading to better and some unusual material properties. Smart ceramics ensure control of particle size, surface contamination, and degree of agglomeration. They play a crucial role in challenging applications such as bone surgery (e.g., the development of substitutes for load-bearing bone parts) and in biomedical science, especially in tissue engineering, dental applications, and drug and antigen delivery using modified ceramics. Porous nanostructured ceramics have potential use in both simple and complex applications, such as bioimaging, sensors, paints and pigments, optics, and electronics, because of their surface- and size-dependent properties. For the synthesis of smart ceramics, the sol-gel route has been mainly utilized because of its ability to produce a large variety of compositions and to ensure homogeneous mixing of the constituent particles at low temperature. This book describes the innovations in technologies through the development of functionalized ceramic materials for various applications. It also describes recent and expected challenges, along with their potential solutions, in advanced techniques for the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured ceramics and their composites: bioceramics, bioactive ceramics, multifunctional nanoceramics, transparent ceramics, nanocore shells, nanowires, thin films, nanotubes, and nanorods. The applications include the environment, health care, electrochemical sensors, high-temperature superconductors, nuclear reactor fuels, electrical insulators, refractory materials, electrical transformers, and magnetic core memory. The book will benefit researchers, scientists, engineers, and technologists working in the industry and in national and international research laboratories; academics who are interested in traditional and advanced smart ceramic composites; and students pursuing their postgraduate, graduate, and undergraduate degrees in smart ceramics, nanomaterials, nanoscience, and engineering.
Aerogels Handbook
Author: Michel Andre Aegerter
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441975896
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 929
Book Description
Aerogels are the lightest solids known. Up to 1000 times lighter than glass and with a density as low as only four times that of air, they show very high thermal, electrical and acoustic insulation values and hold many entries in Guinness World Records. Originally based on silica, R&D efforts have extended this class of materials to non-silicate inorganic oxides, natural and synthetic organic polymers, carbon, metal and ceramic materials, etc. Composite systems involving polymer-crosslinked aerogels and interpenetrating hybrid networks have been developed and exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. Even more exotic aerogels based on clays, chalcogenides, phosphides, quantum dots, and biopolymers such as chitosan are opening new applications for the construction, transportation, energy, defense and healthcare industries. Applications in electronics, chemistry, mechanics, engineering, energy production and storage, sensors, medicine, nanotechnology, military and aerospace, oil and gas recovery, thermal insulation and household uses are being developed with an estimated annual market growth rate of around 70% until 2015. The Aerogels Handbook summarizes state-of-the-art developments and processing of inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels, including the most important methods of synthesis, characterization as well as their typical applications and their possible market impact. Readers will find an exhaustive overview of all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and most recent advances towards applications and commercial products, some of which are commercially available today. Key Features: •Edited and written by recognized worldwide leaders in the field •Appeals to a broad audience of materials scientists, chemists, and engineers in academic research and industrial R&D •Covers inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels •Describes military, aerospace, building industry, household, environmental, energy, and biomedical applications among others
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441975896
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 929
Book Description
Aerogels are the lightest solids known. Up to 1000 times lighter than glass and with a density as low as only four times that of air, they show very high thermal, electrical and acoustic insulation values and hold many entries in Guinness World Records. Originally based on silica, R&D efforts have extended this class of materials to non-silicate inorganic oxides, natural and synthetic organic polymers, carbon, metal and ceramic materials, etc. Composite systems involving polymer-crosslinked aerogels and interpenetrating hybrid networks have been developed and exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. Even more exotic aerogels based on clays, chalcogenides, phosphides, quantum dots, and biopolymers such as chitosan are opening new applications for the construction, transportation, energy, defense and healthcare industries. Applications in electronics, chemistry, mechanics, engineering, energy production and storage, sensors, medicine, nanotechnology, military and aerospace, oil and gas recovery, thermal insulation and household uses are being developed with an estimated annual market growth rate of around 70% until 2015. The Aerogels Handbook summarizes state-of-the-art developments and processing of inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels, including the most important methods of synthesis, characterization as well as their typical applications and their possible market impact. Readers will find an exhaustive overview of all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and most recent advances towards applications and commercial products, some of which are commercially available today. Key Features: •Edited and written by recognized worldwide leaders in the field •Appeals to a broad audience of materials scientists, chemists, and engineers in academic research and industrial R&D •Covers inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels •Describes military, aerospace, building industry, household, environmental, energy, and biomedical applications among others
Springer Handbook of Aerogels
Author: Michel A. Aegerter
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030273229
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1778
Book Description
This indispensable handbook provides comprehensive coverage of the current state-of-the-art in inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels – from synthesis and characterization to cutting-edge applications and their potential market impact. Built upon Springer’s successful Aerogels Handbook published in 2011, this handbook features extensive revisions and timely updates, reflecting the changes in this fast-growing field. Aerogels are the lightest solids known to man. Up to 1000 times lighter than glass and with a density only four times that of air, they possess extraordinarily high thermal, electrical, and acoustic insulation properties, and boast numerous entries in Guinness World Records. Originally based on silica, R&D efforts have extended this class of materials to incorporate non-silicate inorganic oxides, natural and synthetic organic polymers, carbon, metal, and ceramic materials. Composite systems involving polymer-crosslinked aerogels and interpenetrating hybrid networks have been developed and exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. Even more exotic aerogels based on clays, chalcogenides, phosphides, quantum dots, and biopolymers such as chitosan are opening new applications for the construction, transportation, energy, defense and healthcare industries. Applications in electronics, chemistry, mechanics, engineering, energy production and storage, sensors, medicine, nanotechnology, military and aerospace, oil and gas recovery, thermal insulation, and household uses are being developed. Readers of this fully updated and expanded edition will find an exhaustive source for all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and the most recent advances towards applications and commercial use. This key reference is essential reading for a combined audience of graduate students, academic researchers, and industry professionals.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030273229
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1778
Book Description
This indispensable handbook provides comprehensive coverage of the current state-of-the-art in inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels – from synthesis and characterization to cutting-edge applications and their potential market impact. Built upon Springer’s successful Aerogels Handbook published in 2011, this handbook features extensive revisions and timely updates, reflecting the changes in this fast-growing field. Aerogels are the lightest solids known to man. Up to 1000 times lighter than glass and with a density only four times that of air, they possess extraordinarily high thermal, electrical, and acoustic insulation properties, and boast numerous entries in Guinness World Records. Originally based on silica, R&D efforts have extended this class of materials to incorporate non-silicate inorganic oxides, natural and synthetic organic polymers, carbon, metal, and ceramic materials. Composite systems involving polymer-crosslinked aerogels and interpenetrating hybrid networks have been developed and exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. Even more exotic aerogels based on clays, chalcogenides, phosphides, quantum dots, and biopolymers such as chitosan are opening new applications for the construction, transportation, energy, defense and healthcare industries. Applications in electronics, chemistry, mechanics, engineering, energy production and storage, sensors, medicine, nanotechnology, military and aerospace, oil and gas recovery, thermal insulation, and household uses are being developed. Readers of this fully updated and expanded edition will find an exhaustive source for all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and the most recent advances towards applications and commercial use. This key reference is essential reading for a combined audience of graduate students, academic researchers, and industry professionals.
Aerogel and Xerogel Synthesis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials by an Epoxide Assisted Sol-gel Method
Author: Christopher N. Chervin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Organic Solvents
Author: Markus Niederberger
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1848826710
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 223
Book Description
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Organic Solvents discusses recent advances in the chemistry involved for the controlled synthesis and assembly of metal oxide nanoparticles, the characterizations required by such nanoobjects, and their size and shape depending properties. In the last few years, a valuable alternative to the well-known aqueous sol-gel processes was developed in the form of nonaqueous solution routes. Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Organic Solvents reviews and compares surfactant- and solvent-controlled routes, as well as providing an overview of techniques for the characterization of metal oxide nanoparticles, crystallization pathways, the physical properties of metal oxide nanoparticles, their applications in diverse fields of technology, and their assembly into larger nano- and mesostructures. Researchers and postgraduates in the fields of nanomaterials and sol-gel chemistry will appreciate this book’s informative approach to chemical formation mechanisms in relation to metal oxides.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1848826710
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 223
Book Description
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Organic Solvents discusses recent advances in the chemistry involved for the controlled synthesis and assembly of metal oxide nanoparticles, the characterizations required by such nanoobjects, and their size and shape depending properties. In the last few years, a valuable alternative to the well-known aqueous sol-gel processes was developed in the form of nonaqueous solution routes. Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Organic Solvents reviews and compares surfactant- and solvent-controlled routes, as well as providing an overview of techniques for the characterization of metal oxide nanoparticles, crystallization pathways, the physical properties of metal oxide nanoparticles, their applications in diverse fields of technology, and their assembly into larger nano- and mesostructures. Researchers and postgraduates in the fields of nanomaterials and sol-gel chemistry will appreciate this book’s informative approach to chemical formation mechanisms in relation to metal oxides.
Iron Oxides in the Laboratory
Author: Udo Schwertmann
Publisher: Wiley-VCH
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
This book presents reliable, well-tested, up-to-date methods of synthesizing the major iron oxides. Such a collection is invaluable since iron oxides play an important role in numerous disciplines, including chemistry, soil science, medicine, corrosion science and aquatic and environmental chemistry. The emphasis is on techniques and apparatus that are readily accessible to the scientist. For students, the sections dealing with potential sources of error should prove extremely useful. Techniques for iron oxide characterization are also described in detail. Special Feature: color plates illustrating how the color of iron oxides varies with crystal structure, particle size, and metal substitution.
Publisher: Wiley-VCH
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
This book presents reliable, well-tested, up-to-date methods of synthesizing the major iron oxides. Such a collection is invaluable since iron oxides play an important role in numerous disciplines, including chemistry, soil science, medicine, corrosion science and aquatic and environmental chemistry. The emphasis is on techniques and apparatus that are readily accessible to the scientist. For students, the sections dealing with potential sources of error should prove extremely useful. Techniques for iron oxide characterization are also described in detail. Special Feature: color plates illustrating how the color of iron oxides varies with crystal structure, particle size, and metal substitution.
Nanocasting
Author: An-Hui Lu
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 0854041885
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 279
Book Description
Nanostructured materials with tailored properties are regarded as a fundamental element in the development of future science and technology. Research is still ongoing into the nanosized construction elements required to create functional solids. The recently developed technique, nanocasting, has great advantage over others in terms of the synthesis of special nanostructured materials by the careful choice of suitable elements and nanoengineering steps. This new book summarizes the recent developments in nanocasting, including the principles of nanocasting, syntheses of novel nanostructured materials, characterization methods, detailed synthetic recipes and further possible development in this area. The book focuses on the synthesis of porous solids from the viewpoint of methodology and introduces the science of nanocasting from fundamental principles to their use in synthesis of various materials. It starts by outlining the principles of nanocasting, requirements to the templates and precursors and the tools needed to probe matter at the nanoscale level. It describes how to synthesize nano structured porous solids with defined characteristics and finally discusses the functionalization and application of porous solids. Special attention is given to new developments in this field and future perspectives. A useful appendix covering the detailed synthetic recipes of various templates including porous silica, porous carbon and colloidal spheres is included which will be invaluable to researchers wanting to follow and reproduce nanocast materials. Topics covered in the book include: * inorganic chemistry * organic chemistry * solution chemistry * sol-gel and interface science * acid-base equilibria * electrochemistry * biochemistry * confined synthesis The book gives readers not only an overview of nanocasting technology, but also sufficient information and knowledge for those wanting to prepare various nanostructured materials without needing to search the available literature.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 0854041885
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 279
Book Description
Nanostructured materials with tailored properties are regarded as a fundamental element in the development of future science and technology. Research is still ongoing into the nanosized construction elements required to create functional solids. The recently developed technique, nanocasting, has great advantage over others in terms of the synthesis of special nanostructured materials by the careful choice of suitable elements and nanoengineering steps. This new book summarizes the recent developments in nanocasting, including the principles of nanocasting, syntheses of novel nanostructured materials, characterization methods, detailed synthetic recipes and further possible development in this area. The book focuses on the synthesis of porous solids from the viewpoint of methodology and introduces the science of nanocasting from fundamental principles to their use in synthesis of various materials. It starts by outlining the principles of nanocasting, requirements to the templates and precursors and the tools needed to probe matter at the nanoscale level. It describes how to synthesize nano structured porous solids with defined characteristics and finally discusses the functionalization and application of porous solids. Special attention is given to new developments in this field and future perspectives. A useful appendix covering the detailed synthetic recipes of various templates including porous silica, porous carbon and colloidal spheres is included which will be invaluable to researchers wanting to follow and reproduce nanocast materials. Topics covered in the book include: * inorganic chemistry * organic chemistry * solution chemistry * sol-gel and interface science * acid-base equilibria * electrochemistry * biochemistry * confined synthesis The book gives readers not only an overview of nanocasting technology, but also sufficient information and knowledge for those wanting to prepare various nanostructured materials without needing to search the available literature.
Sol-Gel Materials
Author: John D. Wright
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482283166
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Sol-Gel processing methods, first used historically for decorative and constructional materials, were extensively developed in the last century for applications such as glasses, ceramics, catalysts, coatings, composites and fibres. Today they are reaching their full potential, enabling the preparation of new generations of advanced materials not easily accessible by other methods yet using mild, low-energy conditions. The topic is therefore increasingly included in advanced undergraduate, MSc and PhD programmes in the areas of chemistry, physics and materials science. This concise introductory text, written at the advanced undergraduate/first-year postgraduate level, is also suitable as an introduction to the development, mechanisms, chemistry, characterisation methods and applications of the technique. It provides readers with an extensive yet concise grounding in the theory of each area of the subject and details the real and potential applications and the future prospects of sol-gel chemistry.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482283166
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Sol-Gel processing methods, first used historically for decorative and constructional materials, were extensively developed in the last century for applications such as glasses, ceramics, catalysts, coatings, composites and fibres. Today they are reaching their full potential, enabling the preparation of new generations of advanced materials not easily accessible by other methods yet using mild, low-energy conditions. The topic is therefore increasingly included in advanced undergraduate, MSc and PhD programmes in the areas of chemistry, physics and materials science. This concise introductory text, written at the advanced undergraduate/first-year postgraduate level, is also suitable as an introduction to the development, mechanisms, chemistry, characterisation methods and applications of the technique. It provides readers with an extensive yet concise grounding in the theory of each area of the subject and details the real and potential applications and the future prospects of sol-gel chemistry.