Nanoscale structure and assembly at solid-fluid interfaces Assembly in hybrid and biological systems

All of us have read about the vast potential inherent in nanotechnology and the exciting impact it has had in changing our lifestyle in the 21st century. One of the basic issues confronting us is how to fabricate devices or materials on the nano scale. What is the basic physics governing the formation of nano phases? How can biological systems inspire us to formulate nano scale architectures, in the way nature has always done and continues to do? These are two main areas of focus in this book. The aim of this reference is to take us to the root of these issues: the solid-fluid interfacial structures and the basic interactions between structural units that determine the kinetics of nano particles and assembly formation, and subsequently the resulting structures and functionalities of the nano phases and devices. By taking a fresh look at the novel nano structure engineering and surface probing technologies from a global viewpoint of fundamental principles, the two volumes of this book direct our focus from the macroscopic phase to the nano structures ranging from inorganic to bio nano materials. Featuring contributions from a number of international experts in the related fields, this book offers a comprehensive and synergistic look into these challenging issues in terms of theoretical modeling, computer simulations, advanced surface probing and fabrication and interface characterizations. The book also provides a link to the nanostructure engineering of some novel materials playing an important role in advancing technologies in this field.