Nanotechnology has become one of the most important fields in science. Nanoparticles exhibit unique chemical, physical and electronic properties that are different from those of bulk materials, due to their small size and better architecture. Nanoparticles can be used to construct novel sensing devices; in particular electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical detection is highly attractive for the monitoring of glucose, cancer cells, cholesterol and infectious diseases. Unique nanocomposite-based films proposed in this book open new doors to the design and fabrication of high-performance electrochemical sensors.

This reference reviews the reported literature on new approaches of nanocomposite material preparation and their applications in the development of physical, chemical, electrochemical, biological, fluorescence and colorimetric sensors. Sensor nanomaterials have been extensively used to amplify signals in the detection of a range of chemicals including toxic gases, biochemical nutrients, ions, explosives, pesticides and drugs to name a few. 14 chapter contributions highlight state-of-the-art sensors in recent years by outlining the synthesis, role and progress of nanocomposite materials in fabricating flexible and multifunctional sensing platforms in sensor technologies. Chapters first introduce the reader to nanocomposite materials and their role in making a wide array of sensors including metal-organic, graphene-based and polymeric sensors. The chapters then progress into applications of sensors for the detection of chemicals such as blood glucose, heavy metal and other toxic ions, hydrazine, humidity and explosive. Each chapter explains the required materials for electrodes and material components for a specific sensor platform with additional information about sample collection, threshold values and perspectives where appropriate. The book is intended as a compilation of knowledge for designing novel nanocomposite materials to be used as sensing platforms in sensor technologies. It serves as an informative resource for a broad range of readers including graduates and post-graduates, Ph. D. scholars, faculty members and professionals working in the area of material science, the healthcare industry, biological sciences, medical sciences, and environmental sciences.

Metal oxide nanomaterials exhibit interesting electrical and photochemical properties because of their size, stability, and high surface area that render them as great choices in fabricating alternative electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and sensor applications. The hybridization of metal oxides with other materials lead to the improvement in electrical conductivity, stability, and electron transfer kinetics during the electrocatalytic reactions. These key factors result in greater sensitivity of the sensor materials towards the analyte molecules. This book reviews the electrochemical determination of a variety of toxic chemical contaminants using metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials. Ultrasensitive and selective detection of toxic chemical contaminants is important and demanding, especially for monitoring and controlling environmental pollution. In recent years, metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials have shown high potential in the electrochemical detection of heavy metals, inorganic anions, phenolic compounds, pesticides, and chemical warfare reagents. Metal Oxides in Nanocomposite-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Toxic Chemicals comprehensively reviews this topic. In addition to the instrumental simplicity, the electrochemical methods show the improved sensor performance through the synergetic effect of metal oxide and other electroactive nanomaterial present in the nanocomposite. Thus, detailed information on the electrochemical sensing of toxic chemical contaminants using metal oxide-based nanomaterials are discussed. The recent progress in developing electrochemical sensors using metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials and perspectives on future opportunities in sensor research and development are addressed in the book. - Introduces the fundamentals of electrochemical sensors and fabrication of metal oxide sensors of toxic chemicals - Reviews binary, doped, metal oxide-metal, metal oxide-carbon, metal oxide-polymer, metal-boron nitride, metal oxide-clay, and metal oxide- MOF electrodes - Systematically addresses the fabrication, synthesis, performance, mechanisms, detection limits, sensitivity, advantages and limitations and future perspectives of a wide range of metal oxide-based electrochemical sensors

This book highlights recent developments related to fabrication and utilization of nanoparticle-engineered metal matrices and their composites linked to the heavy industries, temperature fasteners, high-pressure vessels, and heavy turbines, etc. The mechanical properties of newly developed metallic composites are discussed in terms of tensile modulus, hardness, ductility, crack propagation, elongation, and chemical inertness. This book presents the design, development, and implementation of state-of-the-art methods linked to nanoparticle-reinforced metal nanocomposites for a wide variety of applications. Therefore, in a nutshell, this book provides a unique platform for researchers and professionals in the area of nanoparticle-reinforced metal nanocomposites.

Understanding surfaces and interfaces is a key challenge for those working on hybrid nanomaterials and where new imaging and analysis spectroscopy/electron microscopy responses are vital. The variability and site recognition of biopolymers, such as DNA molecules, offer a wide range of opportunities for the self-organization of wire nanostructures into much more complex patterns, while the combination of 1D nanostructures consisting of biopolymers and inorganic compounds opens up a number of scientific and technological opportunities. This book discusses the novel synthesis of nanomaterials and their hybrid composites; nanobiocomposites; transition metal oxide nanocomposites; spectroscopic and electron microscopic studies; social, ethical, and regulatory implications of various aspects of nanotechnology; and significant foreseeable applications of some key hybrid nanomaterials. The book also looks at how technology might be used in the future, estimating, where possible, the likely timescales in which the most far-reaching applications of technology might become a reality. Current research trends and potential future advances, such as nanomaterials, nanometrology, electronics, optoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology, are discussed, in addition to the benefits they are currently providing in the short, medium, and long terms. Furthermore, the book explains the current and possible future industrial applications of nanotechnology, examines some of the barriers to its adoption by industry, and identifies what environmental, health and safety, ethical, or societal implications or uncertainties may arise from the use of the technology, both current and future.

The book, Nanorods and Nanocomposites aims to provide the reader with an overview of the recent advances made on the synthesis of nanorods and nanocomposites and their emerging applications for a better lifestyle. The nanorods are a surprising gift to materials science from the research field of nanoscale materials. Nanorods promise to serve as a building block of the next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Nanocomposite materials are multiphase solid materials that have one organic or inorganic nanoarchitectured compound with various nanostructures, such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods, and nano-films, etc., or with multiphase solid materials (metals, oxides, polymers, and carbon). Due to the progressive physical, chemical, electrical, thermal, optical, electrochemical, and catalytic properties of nanocomposites, they exhibit multi-functional characteristics in a variety of engineering applications such as piezoelectrics, thermoresistors, sensors, energy-related technologies, water purification catalysts, electro-photonics, and so on. Despite the wide variety of applications due to their unique nanostructures, the fabrication of nanocomposites and the realization of their applications in different fields remains a challenging task. The focus of this book is to provide a platform for presentation of the latest knowledge and recent progress in synthesis, functionalization, and applications of nanocomposite materials. It is expected that this book presents the most attractive and versatile technological developments in the field of nanorods and nanocomposite materials and their applications that will provide a better understanding of the currently ongoing research in related fields.

This comprehensive three-volume handbook brings together a review of the current state together with the latest developments in sol-gel technology to put forward new ideas. The first volume, dedicated to synthesis and shaping, gives an in-depth overview of the wet-chemical processes that constitute the core of the sol-gel method and presents the various pathways for the successful synthesis of inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic materials, bio- and bio-inspired materials, powders, particles and fibers as well as sol-gel derived thin films, coatings and surfaces. The second volume deals with the mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of sol-gel derived materials and the methods for their characterization such as diffraction methods and nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The third volume concentrates on the various applications in the fields of membrane science, catalysis, energy research, biomaterials science, biomedicine, photonics and electronics.

Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites: Science Technology and Applications presents a detailed review of new and emerging research outcomes from fundamental concepts that are relevant to science, technology and advanced applications. Sections cover key drivers such as the rising demand for lightweight and high strength automotive parts, the need for sustainable packaging materials and conservation of flavor in the food, drinks and beverages industries, and defense initiatives such as ballistic protection, fire retardation and electromagnetic shielding. With contributions from international authors working at the cutting-edge of research, this book will be an essential reference resource for materials scientists, chemists, manufacturers and polymer engineers. Through recent advances in nanotechnology, researchers can now manipulate atoms to create materials and products that are changing the way we live our lives. These materials have enhanced properties, such as tensile strength, impact and scratch resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, thermal stability and fire resistance. Combines processing, properties and advanced commercial applications Emphasizes synthesis and fabrication techniques Focuses on environmental and health aspects Covers future challenges, opportunities, recycling and sustainability Contains contributions from high-profile, cutting-edge international researchers

One-dimensional nanomaterials are emerging as promising materials for their many unique characteristics. This book covers their synthesis and applications in batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, solar cells, green energy production, flexible electronics, electrochemical sensors, and biomedicine. Progress in nanotechnology offers an opportunity to synthesize materials with unique properties. The properties of nanomaterials can be further improved by growing them in one-dimension structural with variations in their architecture. One-dimensional polymeric nanocomposites offer various advantages such as nano dimensions, high surface area, structural stability, and the ability to tune their electrochemical, electronic, and optical properties. The book covers basic concepts, chemistries, properties, and the importance of one-dimensional nanomaterials, along with their wide applications and state-of-the-art progress in the energy, flexible electronics, sensor, and biomedical fields. The fundamentals of electrochemical behavior and their understanding for various applications are also discussed in detail. This book will provide new direction to scientists, researchers, and students to better understand the chemistry, technologies, and applications of one-dimensional polymeric nanocomposites.