Abstract
PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION
The science of the �ultra small� �nanoscience � has dramatically exploded during the last few years, and the technologies operating with �ultra small things� � the nanotechnologies � acquired quickly a firm position in today�s world of business, technological development, and public perception. Several factors contributed to the acceleration of scientific knowledge and technological progress in the last decades, among which the rapid development of fast computers, availability of high-resolution analytical techniques, and the progress of molecular biology and genetics are probably the most important. The result was an unprecedented expansion of the frontiers of science, which empowered the human genius with unlimited options of top-down and bottom-up methods for manipulation of materials structure and control of properties at multiple levels, from atomic to molecular, supramolecular, and biomolecular. Already a distinctive mark of 21st century, nanoscience and nanotechnology will certainly have a steadily increasing influence on the quality of life and the environment of this Planet for centuries to come.
Dekker Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Second Edition provides a comprehensive and detailed review, from multiple angles, of major developments in the human�s quest for understanding and mastering of physical, chemical and biological objects and structures having at least one dimension smaller than about 100 nm.
Under the expert supervision of the late Professor James A. Schwarz, Marcel Dekker, Inc. published the first edition in 2004 to great acclaim. The success of first edition, the development of the title through online updates, and the dynamics of this continuously growing field has created a high demand for a second edition only four years after the first edition. The second edition offers updated and revised entries, along with many additions that reflect the focus towards energy and environmental issues currently in the news. The new edition is expanded to six volumes. All entry titles have been revised to better reflect to the entry's content, while optimized for alphabetical listing. In addition, a comprehensive (though not exhaustive) topical table of contents has been designed, structured on 24 major topics and almost 100 subtopics. With a robust and efficient indexing system and staggered bleed tabs, this second print edition will be a useful reference tool for scientists in academia and national laboratories, engineers, students, as well as entrepreneurs, policy makers, and opinion builders. The online version of the Encyclopedia offers quick access to individual entries in HTML or PDF format, enriched graphical content, hundreds of color illustrations and photographs, and an efficient keyword search engine.
Cristian I. Contescu
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
Karol Putyera
Shiva Technologies, Syracuse, New York, USA
July 2008
