MRS-S OUTLOOK R eview A rticles

To spread information and knowledge and to promote collaboration in the area of Materials Research, Engineering 

and Technology amongst the members of MRS-S 

Vol 6 w No. 3 w Jan. - Mar., 2012 | ISSN 1793-3609 

CONTENTS 

Highlights Highlights 

of previous ICMAT ICMA 

Conferences 

page age 109... 


of previous National 

Conferences 

page age 110... 110... 


of the Recent 

Literature 

page age 111... 1 1... 

Recent Books and Review 

Articles 

page age 119... 119... 

MRS-S Membership 

Conference Report 

Forthcoming Conferences 




Materials Education & 

Research in Singapore 


Invitation Invitation 

to MRS-S Members 


© 2012 MRS-S, Singapore. All rights reserved. 

� MRS-S Activities: Past, Present and Future 

The Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S) organized six International and four 

National Conferences in Singapore since 2001. The biennial 'International Conference on 

Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT)' series were held in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 

and 2011. 

The biennial National Conferences were held in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. 

MRS-S also sponsored/supported several other conferences, workshops, symposia and public 

lectures. To reach out to the public, MRS-S has organized number of public lectures by Nobel 

Laureates and also an Astronaut. 

MRS-S recently instituted the 'MRS-S Medal' with the School of Materials Science & Engineering, 

and the 'Book Prize' with the Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP) at the Nanyang 

Technological University (NTU), Singapore. 

MRS-S recently instituted Student Bursaries for 8 students with the Faculty of Science at the 

National University of Singapore (NUS). 

Prof. B. V. R. Chowdari, President, MRS-S has been elected as a Member of the 'International 

Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU)' for a two-year term with effect from Jan., 2012. Prof. 

Chowdari is a professor of Physics at NUS and is also Executive Director, NUS-India Research 

Initiatives and GEM4. 

Prof. Andrew Wee T.S., Vice President, MRS-S has been elected as a Fellow of the 'Singapore 

National Academy of Sciences (SNAS)', in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the 

areas of Physics and Materials Science. Prof. Andrew is a professor of Physics and Dean, Faculty 

of Science at NUS. 

Prof. Jagadese J. Vittal has co-authored the book entitled, 'Crystal Engineering: A Textbook', along 

with Profs. Gautam R. Desiraju and Arunachalam Ramanan. The book was published by IISc 

Press & World Sci. Publ., India, 2011. Prof. Vittal is a professor of Chemistry at NUS. 

Hearty Congratulations to the above three MRS-S Committee Members. 

A report on the ACCMS-6 Conference held in Sept., 2011 in Singapore is included in this Issue. 

The second Trilateral Conference on 'Advances in Nanoscience- Energy, Water & Healthcare' was 

held at Donghua University in Shanghai, China during 9-12, Nov., 2011. It was organized by 

Chinese MRS in association with the MRS-S and MRS-I (India) with Prof. Zhu Meifang as Chair. 

The International Conference of Young Researchers on Advanced Materials (ICYRAM) under the 

aegis of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS) will be organized by the 

MRS-S during 1-6 July, 2012 in Singapore. 

Ø Highlights of previous ICMAT Conferences 

Year 2001: 1-6, July 2001; 16 Symposia; 10 Plenary Lectures; 4 Public Lectures by Nobel Laureates; 

1400 delegates; 18 Best Poster Awards; 36 Exhibitors. 

Year 2003: 7-12, Dec., 2003; 16 Symposia; 9 Plenary Lectures; 2 Public Lectures by Nobel Laureates; 

1500 delegates; 19 Best Poster Awards ; 29 Exhibitors. 

Year 2005: 3-8, July 2005; 25 Symposia; 9 Plenary Lectures; 2 Theme Lectures; 3 Public Lectures by Nobel 

Laureates; 2200 Delegates; 28 Best Poster Awards ; 43 Exhibitors. 

Year 2007: 1-6, July 2007; 18+6 Symposia; 9 Plenary Lectures; 2 Theme Lectures; 2 Public Lectures 

by Nobel Laureates; 2300 Delegates; 25 Best Poster Awards; 41 Exhibitors. 

Year 2009: 28 June -3, July 2009; 23 Symposia, 9 Plenary and 3 Theme Lectures, 3 Public Lectures 

by Nobel Laureates; 2170 Participants; 37 Best Poster Awards; 43 Exhibitors. 

Year 2011: 26 June -1, July 2011; 40 Symposia, 9 Plenary and 3 Theme Lectures; 2 Public Lectures 

by Nobel Laureates; 3139 Papers; 3212 Participants from 64 countries; 48 Best Poster Awards; 

68 Exhibitors.

MRS-S Activities 

page 110 

Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012 MRS-S OUTLOOK 

MRS-S Executive Committee 

(For 2012–2013) 

President 

B. V. R. Chowdari, NUS 

Founding President 

Shih Choon Fong, KAUST 

Vice Presidents 

Andrew Wee, T.S. , NUS 

Ma Jan, NTU 

Secretary 

Joachim S.C. Loo, NTU 

Joint Secretary 

Ding Jun, NUS 

Treasurer 

FENG Yuan Ping, NUS 

Joint Treasurer 

Ramam, Akkipeddi, IMRE 

Members 

Chia Ching Kean, IMRE 

Ho Ghim Wei, NUS 

Liu Zishun, IHPC 

Ng Teng Yong, NTU 

S. Shannigrahi, IMRE 

Shen Ze Xiang, NTU 

J.J. Vittal, NUS 

Wan Andrew Chwee Aun, IBN 

P.K. Wong, ICES 

Honorary Auditors 

Karen CHONG, IMRE 

Stefan ADAMS, NUS 

NUS: National University of Singapore 

NTU: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 

IBN: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore 

ICES: Institute of Chemical and Environmental Sciences, Singapore 

IHPC: Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore 

IMRE: Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, Singapore 

KAUST: King Abdulla University of Science & Technology, 

Saudi Arabia 

Highlights of Previous National Conferences 

Year 2004: 6 Aug., 2004; 20 Invited Talks; 130 Poster 

Papers; 4 Best Poster Awards. 

Year 2006: 18–20, Jan., 2006; Includes the Symposium 

on ‘Physics and Mechanic of Advanced 

Materials’; 60 Invited Talks; 200 Poster Papers; 1 

Public Lecture; 5 Best Poster Awards. 

Year 2008: Feb., 25–27, 2008. Incorporated the MRS-I 

Mumbai (India)-Chapter Joint Indo-Singapore Meeting; 

2 Keynote Talks, 60 Invited Talks; 211 Poster 

Papers; 10 Best Poster Awards. 

Year 2010: March, 17–19, 2010. 1 Keynote Talk, 26 

Invited Talks; 137 Poster Papers; 7 Best Poster Awards. 

Highlights of MRS-S Trilateral Conference on 

‘Advances in Nanoscience- Energy, 

Water & Healthcare’ held in Singapore 

Year 2010: Aug., 11–13, 2010. Incorporated the 

Chinese MRS and MRS-I (India); 1 Keynote Talk; 

34 Invited Talks; 98 Poster Papers; 5 Best Poster 

Awards. 

Highlights of ACCMS-6 Conference Jointly 

Organized by MRS-S in Singapore 

Year 2011: Sept., 6–9, 2011. Jointly organized by 

the National University of Singapore (NUS), Materials 

Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S), Institute 

of High Performance Computing (IHPC), and Institute 

of Advanced Studies (IAS) at the Nanyang Technological 

University, MRS-I (India); 180 participants from 

19 countries; 2 Plenary Talks; 1 ACCMS Award lecture; 

Several Invited Talks; 84 Poster Papers; 5 Best 

Poster Awards. 

MRS-S OUTLOOK (ISSN 1793-3609) is published quarterly by the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S), 

c/o Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, 3, Research Link, Singapore 117 602. 

Editor: G.V. Subba Rao. Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in ‘MRS-S OUTLOOK’ are solely those of the 

authors, and do not reflect those of MRS-S, nor the editor and staff. Permissions: The subject matter contained in ‘MRS-S 

OUTLOOK’ can be freely reproduced for not-for-profit use by the readers; however, a word of acknowledgement will be 

appreciated. 

A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore

MRS-S OUTLOOK Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012 

Synthesis and Structure Determination of the 

Hierarchical Meso-Microporous 

Zeolite ITQ-43 

The formation of mesopores in microporous zeolites is 

generally performed by postsynthesis acid, basic, and 

steam treatments. The hierarchical pore systems thus 

formed allow better adsorption, diffusion, and reactivity 

of these materials. 

By combining organic and inorganic structuredirecting 

agents and high-throughput methodologies, 

Jiang et al. 1 were able to synthesize a zeolite with a 

hierarchical system of micropores and mesopores, with 

channel openings delimited by 28 tetrahedral atoms 

(Fig.1). Its complex crystalline structure was solved 

with the use of automated diffraction tomography. 

Fig.1. The 28-ring channnel of Zeolite ITQ-43 (oxygens 

omitted for clarity, except those in the silanol 

groups). It adopts an orthoromnic structure. 

Reference 

1. J. Jiang, J. L. Jorda, J. Yu, L. A. Baumes, E. Mugnaioli, 

M. J. Diaz-Cabanas, U. Kolb and A. Corma, Science, 

333(6046), 1131–1134 (2011) (26 Aug., Issue). 

Unraveling the Perplexing Structure of the 

Zeolite SSZ-57 

Previous high-resolution x-ray powder diffraction and 

transmission electron microscopy studies of the zeolite, 

SSZ-57 could not fully elucidate the structural 

Highlights of Recent Literature 

(Contributed by the Editor) 

basis for its puzzling adsorption behavior, which 

appears to be intermediate between that of a medium- 

(10-ring) and a large-pore (12-ring) zeolite. 

By applying advanced crystallographic techniques 

(structure solution in four-dimensional (4D) space and 

interpretation of three-dimensional (3D) diffuse scattering 

by Monte Carlo simulation) and crystal chemistry 

considerations to high-quality single-crystal x-ray 

diffraction data collected on a microcrystal (∼2µm× 

2µm×8 µm), Baerlocher et al. 1 have been able to 

derive a comprehensive description of its silicate 

framework structure. The framework is related to that 

of ZSM-11 but is commensurately modulated along the 

c axis (P ¯4m2), a = b = 20.091 ˚A, c = 110.056 ˚A) to 

yield a structure with a 12-ring:10-ring ratio of 1:15. 

Disorder of the 12-rings results in a 3D 10-ring channel 

system with large isolated pockets. The structure 

helps to clarify the material’s catalytic activity. 

Reference 

1. C. Baerlocher, T. Weber, L. B. McCusker, L. Palatinus 

and S. I. Zones, Science, 333(6046), 1134–1137 (2011) 

(26 Aug., Issue). 

Femtoscale Magnetically Induced Lattice 

Distortions in Multiferroic TbMnO3 

Magneto-electric multiferroics exemplified by 

TbMnO 3 possess both magnetic and ferroelectric longrange 

order. The magnetic order is mostly understood, 

whereas the nature of the ferroelectricity has remained 

more elusive. Competing models proposed to explain 

the ferroelectricity are associated respectively with 

charge transfer and ionic displacements. 

Exploiting the magneto-electric coupling, Walker 

et al. 1 used an electric field to produce a single magnetic 

domain state, and a magnetic field to induce 

ionic displacements. Under these conditions, interference 

between charge and magnetic x-ray scattering 

arose, encoding the amplitude and phase of the displacements. 

When combined with a theoretical analysis, 

the data allowed the authors to resolve the ionic 


A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore page 111


page 112 


displacements at the femtosecond scale, and show that 

such displacements make a substantial contribution to 

the zero-field ferroelectric moment. 

Reference 

1. H. C. Walker, F. Fabrizi, L. Paolasini, F. de Bergevin, 

J. Herrero-Martin, A. T. Boothroyd, D. Prabhakaran and 

D. F. McMorrow, Science, 333(6047), 1273–1276 (2011) 

(2 Sept., Issue). 

Rational Design and Enhanced 

Biocompatibility of a Dry Adhesive 

Medical Skin Patch 

A new type of medical skin patch has been developed 

by Kwak et al. 1 that contains high-density, mushroomlike 

micropillars. The latter are made of soft polydimethylsiloxane 

(PDMS) material. Such dry-adhesive 

micropillars are highly biocompatible, have minimized 

side effects, and provide reasonable normal adhesion 

strength. 

To arrive at optimal conditions for the dry adhesive 

skin patch, the proper design of various structural 

and material parameters of micropillars is investigated. 

The authors state that, ‘the dry adhesive patch would be 

useful as an alternative to the current wet medical skin 

patch as well as a fixation unit in a U-health system’. 

Reference 

1. M. K. Kwak, H. –E. Jeong and K. Y. Suh, Adv. Mater., 

23(34), 3949–3953 (2011). 

Magnetic-Field-Induced Charge-Stripe Order 

in the High-Temperature Superconductor 

YBa2Cu3Oy 

Electronic charges introduced in copper-oxide (CuO 2) 

planes generate high-transition-temperature(Tc) 

superconductivity but, under special circumstances, 

they can also order into filaments called stripes. 

Whether an underlying tendency towards charge order 

is present in all copper oxides and whether this has 

any relationship with superconductivity are, however, 

two highly controversial issues. To uncover underlying 

electronic order, magnetic fields strong enough to 

destabilize superconductivity can be used. Such experiments, 

including quantum oscillations in YBa 2Cu 3Oy 

(an extremely clean copper oxide in which charge 

order has not until now been observed) have suggested 

that superconductivity competes with spin, rather than 

charge, order. 

Here, Wu et al. 1 report nuclear magnetic resonance 

measurements showing that high magnetic fields 

actually induce charge order, without spin order, in 

the CuO 2 planes of YBa 2Cu 3Oy (y = 6.54; p = 

0.108, where p is the hole concentration per planar 

Cu). The observed static, unidirectional, modulation of 

the charge density breaks translational symmetry, thus 

explaining quantum oscillation results, and the authors 

argue that it is most probably the same 4a-periodic 

modulation as in stripe-ordered copper oxides. That it 

develops only when superconductivity fades away and 

near the same 1/8 hole doping as in La 2−xBaxCuO 4, 

suggests that charge order, although visibly pinned by 

CuO chains in YBa 2Cu 3Oy, is an intrinsic propensity 

of the superconducting planes of high-Tc copper 

oxides. 

Reference 

1. T. Wu, H. Mayaffre, S. Krämer, M. Horvatić, C. Berthier, 

W. N. Hardy, R. Liang, D. A. Bonn and M. –H. Julien, 

Nature, 477(7363), 191–194 (2011) (8 Sept., Issue). 

A Simple, Multidimensional Approach to 

High-Throughput Discovery of 

Catalytic Reactions 

Transition metal complexes catalyze many important 

reactions that are employed in medicine, materials 

science, and energy production. Although highthroughput 

methods for the discovery of catalysts that 

would mirror related approaches for the discovery of 

medicinally active compounds have been the focus of 

much attention, these methods have not been sufficiently 

general or accessible to typical synthetic laboratories 

to be adopted widely. 

Here, Robbins and Hartwig 1 report a method to 

evaluate a broad range of catalysts for potential coupling 

reactions with the use of simple laboratory equipment. 

Specifically, they screened an array of catalysts 

and ligands with a diverse mixture of substrates and 

then used mass spectrometry to identify reaction products 

that, by design, exceed the mass of any single 

substrate. With this method, they discovered a coppercatalyzed 

alkyne hydro-amination and two nickelcatalyzed 

hydro-arylation reactions, each of which 

displayed excellent functional-group tolerance. 



Reference 

1. D. W. Robbins and J. F. Hartwig, Science, 333(6048), 

1423–1427 (2011) (9 Sept., Issue). 

A Lithium Superionic Conductor 

Kamaya et al. 1 reported the synthesis and properties 

of a new lithium superionic conductor (also called, 

Li-fast ion conductor or Li-solid electrolyte), namely, 

Li 10GeP 2S 12 that has a three-dimensional framework 

structure, consisting of (Ge0.5P0.5)S 4 tetrahedra, PS 4 

tetrahedra, LiS 4 tetrahedra, and LiS6 octahedra. It 

exhibits an extremely high Li-ionic conductivity of 

1.2×10 −2 S cm −1 at room temperature (300 K). This 

value is comparable to or higher than those of organic 

liquid electrolytes currently used in practical Li-ion 

systems, like the Li-ion batteries. Structure determination 

showed a tetragonal unit cell with cell parameters 

of a = 8.71771(5) ˚A and c = 12.63452(10) ˚A 

(space group, P4 2/nmc), and a highly anisotropic conduction 

of Li-ions along one crystal direction, namely 

through partially occupied LiS 4 tetrahedra and interstitial 

positions that are connected by a common edge. 

It has a low activation energy for ionic conduction 

(Ea) = 24 kJ mol −1 , which leads to a conductivity of 

∼1×10 −3 S cm −1 at 245 K. 

The authors fabricated an all-solid-state Li-ion 

battery, which consisted of a LiCoO 2 cathode, a 

Li 10GeP 2S 12 electrolyte and an In-metal anode. 

The battery exhibited a discharge capacity of over 

120 mA h g −1 and an excellent discharge efficiency of 

about 100% after the second cycle, at a current density 

of 14 mA g −1 , in the voltage range, 2–3.6V, demonstrating 

that Li 10GeP 2S 12 is applicable as a practical 

solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries. 

Reference 

1. N. Kamaya, K. Homma, Y. Yamakawa, M. Hirayama, 

R. Kanno, M. Yonemura, T. Kamiyama, Y. Kato, 

S. Hama, K. Kawamoto and A. Mitsui, Nature Mater., 

10(9), 682–686 (2011). 

Superconductivity up to 35 K in the Iron 

Platinum Arsenides (CaFe1−xPtxAs)10 

Pt4−yAs8 with Layered Structures 

The family of iron arsenide superconductors is 

expanded by the synthesis of new iron platinum compounds, 

(CaFe 1−xPtxAs 10)Pt 4−yAs 8 with novel crystal 

structures by Löhnert et al. 1 Layers of FeAs 4/4 

tetrahedra and of nearly planar PtAs 4/2 squares with 

(As2) 4− dumbbells are stacked in different ways, 

resulting in polytypes with triclinic or tetragonal symmetry. 

Superconductivity up to 35 K is induced either 

by Pt-doping of the Fe site or by electron transfer from 

PtAs to FeAs layers. 

Reference 

1. C. Löhnert, T. Stürzer, M. Tegel, R. Frankovsky, 

G. Friederichs and D. Johrendt, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 

50(39), 9195–9199 (2011). 

Efficient Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid 

Using an Iron Catalyst 

Hydrogen is one of the essential reactants in the chemical 

industry, though its generation from renewable 

sources and storage in a safe and reversible manner 

remain challenging. Formic acid (HCO 2H or FA) is a 

promising source and storage material in this respect. 

Here, Boddien et al. 1 present a highly active 

iron catalyst system for the liberation of H2 from 

FA. Applying 0.005 mole percent of Fe(BF 4) 26H 2O 

and tris [(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl] phosphine 

[P(CH 2CH 2PPh 2) 3, PP 3] to a solution of FA in environmentally 

benign propylene carbonate, with no further 

additives or base, affords turnover frequencies 

up to 9425 per hour and a turnover number of more 

than 92,000 at 80 ◦ C. The authors used in situ nuclear 

magnetic resonance spectroscopy, kinetic studies, and 

density functional theory calculations to explain possible 

reaction mechanisms. 

Reference 

1. A. Boddien, D. Mellmann, F. Gärtner, R. Jackstell, 

H. Junge, P. J. Dyson, G. Laurenczy, R. Ludwig and 

M. Beller, Science, 333(6050), 1733–1736 (2011) (23 

Sept., Issue). 

Oxygen Rich Titania: A Dopant Free, High 

Temperature Stable, and Visible-Light Active 

Anatase Photocatalyst 

The simultaneous existence of visible light photocatalytic 

activity and high temperature anatase phase stability 

up to 900 ◦ C in undoped titania (TiO2) is reported 




page 114 


for the first time by Etacheri et al. 1 These properties are 

achieved by the in-situ generation of oxygen through 

the thermal decomposition of peroxo-titania complex, 

formed by the precursor modification with H 2O 2. TiO 2 

containing the highest amount of oxygen (16 H 2O 2- 

TiO 2) retains 100% anatase phase even at 900 ◦ C, 

whereas the control sample exists as 100% rutile at this 

temperature. The same composition exhibits a six-fold 

and two-fold increase in visible light photocatalytic 

activities in comparison to the control sample and the 

standard photocatalyst Degussa P-25, respectively. 

Among the various parameters affecting the photocatalytic 

action, such as band gap narrowing, textural 

properties, crystallite size, and anatase phase stability, 

band gap narrowing was identified as the major factor 

responsible for the visible light photocatalytic activity. 

Increased Ti–O–Ti bond strength and upward shifting 

of the valence band (VB) maximum, which is responsible 

for the high temperature stability and visible light 

activity, respectively are identified from FT–IR, XPS, 

and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopic studies. It 

is therefore proposed that the oxygen excess defects 

present in these TiO2 -samples are responsible for the 

high temperature stability and enhanced visible light 

photocatalytic activities. 

Reference 

1. V. Etacheri, M. K. Seery, S. J. Hinder and S. C. Pillai, 

Adv. Funct. Mater., 21(19), 3744–3752 (2011). 

Dispersible Exfoliated Zeolite Nanosheets and 

Their Application as a Selective Membrane 

Thin zeolite films are attractive for a wide range of 

applications, including molecular sieve membranes, 

catalytic membrane reactors, permeation barriers, and 

low-dielectric-constant materials. Synthesis of thin 

zeolite films using high-aspect-ratio zeolite nanosheets 

is desirable because of the packing and processing 

advantages of the nanosheets over isotropic zeolite 

nanoparticles. Attempts to obtain a dispersed suspension 

of zeolite nanosheets via exfoliation of their 

lamellar precursors have been hampered because of 

their structure deterioration and morphological damage 

(fragmentation, curling, and aggregation). 

Here, Varoon et al. 1 demonstrated the synthesis 

and structure determination of highly crystalline 

nanosheets of zeolite frameworks, MWW and MFI. 

The purity and morphological integrity of these 

nanosheets allow them to pack well on porous supports, 

facilitating the fabrication of molecular sieve 

membranes. 

Reference 

1. K. Varoon, X. Zhang, B. Elyassi, D. D. Brewer, 

M. Gettel, S. Kumar, J. A. Lee, S. Maheshwari, A. 

Mittal, C. –Y. Sung, M. Cococcioni, L. F. Francis, 

A. V. McCormick, K. A. Mkhoyan and M. Tsapatsis, Science, 

334(6052), 72–75 (2011) (7 Oct., Issue). 

A Major Constituent of Brown Algae for Use 

in High-Capacity Li-Ion Batteries 

The identification of similarities in the material 

requirements for applications of interest and those of 

living organisms provides opportunities to use renewable 

natural resources to develop better materials and 

design better devices. In this work, Kovalenko et al. 1 

harness this strategy to build high-capacity silicon 

(Si) nanopowder–based lithium (Li)–ion batteries with 

improved performance characteristics. Si offers more 

than one order of magnitude higher capacity than 

graphite, but it exhibits dramatic volume changes during 

electrochemical alloying and de-alloying with Li, 

which typically leads to rapid anode degradation. 

The authors show that mixing Si nanopowder with 

Na-alginate (a natural polysaccharide extracted from 

brown algae) as a binder, yields a stable battery anode 

possessing reversible capacity eight times higher than 

that of the state-of-the-art graphitic anodes. 

Reference 

1. I. Kovalenko, B. Zdyrko, A. Magasinski, B. Hertzberg, 

Z. Milicev, R. Burtovyy, I. Luzinov and G. Yushin, Science, 

334(6052), 75–79 (2011) (7 Oct., Issue). 

A Self-Quenched Defect Glass in a 

Colloid-Nematic Liquid 

Crystal Composite 

Colloidal particles immersed in liquid crystals frustrate 

orientational order. This generates defect lines known 

as disclinations. At the core of these defects, the orientational 

order drops sharply. 

Wood et al. 1 have discovered a class of soft solids, 

with shear moduli up to 10 4 pascals (Pa), containing 



high concentrations of colloidal particles (volume fraction, 

>20%) directly dispersed into a nematic liquid 

crystal. Confocal microscopy and computer simulations 

show that the mechanical strength derives from 

a percolated network of defect lines entangled with the 

particles in three dimensions. The authors state that, 

‘such a “self-quenched glass” of defect lines and particles 

can be considered as a self-organized analog of 

the “vortex glass” state in type II superconductors.’ 

Reference 

1. T. A. Wood, J. S. Lintuvuori, A. B. Schofield, 

D. Marenduzzo and W. C. K. Poon, Science, 334(6052), 

79–83 (2011) (7 Oct., Issue). 

Nanoparticle Superlattice Engineering 

with DNA 

A current limitation in nanoparticle superlattice engineering 

is that the identities of the particles being 

assembled often determine the structures that can be 

synthesized. Therefore, specific crystallographic symmetries 

or lattice parameters can only be achieved 

using specific nanoparticles as building blocks (and 

vice versa). 

Here, Macfarlane et al. 1 present six design rules 

that can be used to deliberately prepare nine distinct 

colloidal crystal structures, with control over lattice 

parameters on the 25- to 150-nm length scale. 

These design rules outline a strategy to independently 

adjust each of the relevant crystallographic parameters, 

including particle size (5 to 60 nm), periodicity, 

and inter-particle distance. The authors state that, ‘this 

work represents an advance in synthesizing tailorable 

macroscale architectures comprising nanoscale materials 

in a predictable fashion.’ 

Reference 

1. R. J. Macfarlane, B. Lee, M. R. Jones, N. Harris, 

G. C. Schatz and C. A. Mirkin, Science, 334 (6053), 

204–208 (2011) (14 Oct., Issue). 

A Microporous Copper Metal–Organic 

Framework with High H2 and CO2 

Adsorption Capacity at Ambient Pressure 

Uptakes of 9.2 mmol g −1 (40.5 wt%) for CO 2 at 273 K 

and at 0.1 MPa and 15.23 mmol g −1 (3.07 wt%) for H2 

at 77 K and at 0.1 MPa are among the highest reported 

for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and are found 

for a novel, highly microporous copper-based MOF as 

reported by Lassig et al. 1 Thermal analyses showed a 

stability of the flexible framework up to 250 ◦ C. 

Reference 

1. D. Lässig, J. Lincke, J. Moellmer, C. Reichenbach, 

A. Moeller, R. Gläser, G. Kalies, K. A. Cychosz, 

M. Thommes, R. Staudt and H. Krautscheid, Angew. 

Chem. Int. Ed., 50(44), 10344–10348 (2011). 

Torsional Carbon Nanotube Artificial Muscles 

Rotary motors of conventional design can be rather 

complex and are therefore difficult to miniaturize. Previous 

carbon nanotube (CNT) -artificial muscles provide 

contraction and bending, but not rotation. 

Here, Foroughi et al. 1 show that an electrolytefilled 

twist-spun CNT yarn, much thinner than a human 

hair, functions as a torsional artificial muscle in a simple 

three-electrode electrochemical system, providing 

a reversible 15,000 ◦ rotation and 590 rev. per min. A 

hydrostatic actuation mechanism, as seen in muscular 

hydrostats in nature, explains the simultaneous occurrence 

of lengthwise contraction and torsional rotation 

during the yarn volume increase caused by electrochemical 

double-layer charge injection. The use of a 

torsional yarn muscle as a mixer for a fluidic chip is 

demonstrated. 

Reference 

1. J. Foroughi, G. M. Spinks, G. G.Wallace, J. Oh, 

M. E. Kozlov, S. Fang, T. Mirfakhrai, J. D. W. Madden, 

M. K. Shin, S. J. Kim and R. H. Baughman, Science, 334 

(6055), 494–497 (2011) (28 Oct., Issue). 

Electrical Control of the Ferromagnetic Phase 

Transition in Cobalt at Room Temperature 

Electrical control of magnetic properties is crucial for 

device applications in the field of spintronics. Although 

the magnetic coercivity or anisotropy has been successfully 

controlled electrically in metals as well as in 

semiconductors, the electrical control of Curie temperature 

(T C) has been realized only in semiconductors at 

low temperature. 

Here, Chiba et al. 1 demonstrate the roomtemperature 

electrical control of the ferromagnetic 




page 116 


phase transition in cobalt, one of the most representative 

transition-metal ferromagnets. Solid-state field 

effect devices consisting of a ultrathin cobalt film covered 

by a dielectric layer and a gate electrode were fabricated. 

The authors prove that the TC of cobalt can 

be changed by up to 12 K by applying a gate electric 

field of about ±2 MV cm −1 . The two-dimensionality 

of the cobalt film may be relevant to the observations. 

The authors state that, ‘the demonstrated electric field 

effect in the ferromagnetic metal at room temperature 

is a significant step towards realizing future low-power 

magnetic applications.’ 

Reference 

1. D. Chiba, S. Fukami, K. Shimamura, N. Ishiwata, 

K. Kobayashi and T. Ono, Nature Mater., 10(11), 

853–856 (2011). 

Porphyrin-Sensitized Solar Cells with Cobalt 

(II/III)–Based Redox Electrolyte Exceed 12% 

Efficiency 

The I 2/I 3 − redox shuttle has limited the efficiencies 

accessible in dye-sensitized solar cells. Here, Yella 

et al. 1 report mesoscopic solar cells that incorporate 

a Co (II/III) tris (bipyridyl)–based redox electrolyte 

in conjunction with a custom synthesized 

donor-π-bridge-acceptor, zinc porphyrin dye as sensitizer 

(designated YD2-o-C8). The specific molecular 

design of YD2-o-C8 greatly retards the rate of 

interfacial back electron transfer from the conduction 

band of the nanocrystalline TiO 2 -film to the oxidized 

cobalt mediator, which enables attainment of strikingly 

high photovoltages approaching 1 V. Because 

the YD2-o-C8 porphyrin harvests sunlight across the 

visible spectrum, large photocurrents are generated. 

Co-sensitization of YD2-o-C8 with another organic 

dye further enhances the performance of the device, 

leading to a measured power conversion efficiency of 

12.3% under simulated air mass (AM) 1.5 global sunlight. 

Reference 

1. A. Yella, H. –W. Lee, H. N. Tsao, C. Yi, A. K. Chandiran, 

Md. K. Nazeeruddin, E. W. –G. Diau, C. –Y. Yeh, 

S. M. Zakeeruddin and M. Grätzel, Science, 334(6056), 

629–634 (2011) (4 Nov., Issue). 

Ionic Liquid–Mediated Selective Conversion 

of CO2 to CO at Low 

Overpotentials 

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2)—a key component 

of artificial photosynthesis—has largely been 

stymied by the impractically high overpotentials necessary 

to drive the process. 

Here, Rosen et al. 1 report an electrocatalytic system 

that reduces CO 2 to carbon monoxide (CO) 

at overpotentials below 0.2 V. The system relies 

on an ionic liquid electrolyte, namely, 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium 

tetrafluoroborate (EMIM-BF 4) to 

lower the energy of the (CO2) − intermediate, most 

likely by complexation, and thereby lower the initial 

reduction barrier. The silver cathode then catalyzes formation 

of the final products. Formation of gaseous CO 

is first observed at an applied voltage of 1.5 V, just 

slightly above the minimum (i.e., equilibrium) voltage 

of 1.33 V. The system continued producing CO for at 

least 7h at Faradaic efficiencies >96%. 

Reference 

1. B. A. Rosen, Amin Salehi-Khojin, Michael R. Thorson, 

Wei Zhu, Devin T. Whipple, Paul J. A. Kenis, and Richard 

I. Masel, Science, 334(6056), 643–644 (2011) (4 Nov., 

Issue). 

Wireless Solar Water Splitting Using 

Silicon-Based Semiconductors and 

Earth-Abundant Catalysts 

Here, Reece et al. 1 describe the development of solar 

water-splitting cells, both with and without connecting 

wires. The cells consist of a triple junction, amorphous 

silicon (Si) photovoltaic interfaced to hydrogen- evolving 

and oxygen-evolving catalysts, a ternary alloy, 

NiMoZn and cobalt|borate catalyst, respectively. The 

devices carry out the solar-driven water-splitting reaction 

at efficiencies of 4.7% for a wired- configuration 

and 2.5% for a wireless- configuration when illuminated 

with 1 sun (100 mW cm −2 ) of air mass 1.5 simulated 

sunlight. The authors state that, ‘fuel-forming 

catalysts interfaced with light-harvesting semiconductors 

afford a pathway to direct solar-to-fuels conversion 

that captures many of the basic functional elements of 

a leaf.’ 



Reference 

1. S. Y. Reece, J. A. Hamel, K. Sung, T. D. Jarvi, 

A. J. Esswein, J. J. H. Pijpers and D. G. Nocera, Science, 

334(6056), 645–648 (2011) (4 Nov., Issue). 

Hot Carrier–Assisted Intrinsic Photoresponse 

in Graphene 

Here, Gabor et al. 1 report on the intrinsic optoelectronic 

response of high-quality dual-gated monolayer 

and bilayer graphene p-n junction devices. Local laser 

excitation (λ = 850 nm) at the p-n interface leads 

to striking six-fold photovoltage patterns as a function 

of bottom- and top-gate voltages. These patterns, 

together with the measured spatial and density dependence 

of the photoresponse, provide strong evidence 

that nonlocal hot carrier transport, rather than the photovoltaic 

effect, dominates the intrinsic photoresponse 

in graphene. The authors state that, ‘this regime, which 

features a long-lived and spatially distributed hot carrier 

population, may offer a path to hot carrier-assisted 

thermoelectric technologies for efficient solar energy 

harvesting.’ 

Reference 

1. N. M. Gabor, J. C. W. Song, Q. Ma, N. L. Nair, 

T. Taychatanapat, K. Watanabe, T. Taniguchi, L. S. Levitov 

and P. Jarillo-Herrero, Science, 334(6056), 648–652 

(2011) (4 Nov., Issue). 

Electrically Driven Directional Motion of a 

Four-Wheeled Molecule on a Metal Surface 

Propelling single molecules in a controlled manner 

along an unmodified surface remains extremely challenging 

because it requires molecules that can use 

light, chemical or electrical energy to modulate their 

interaction with the surface in a way that generates 

motion. Nature’s motor proteins have mastered the 

art of converting conformational changes into directed 

motion, and have inspired the design of artificial systems 

such as DNA walkers and light- and redox-driven 

molecular motors. But although controlled movement 

of single molecules along a surface has been reported, 

the molecules in these examples act as passive elements 

that either diffuse along a preferential direction 

with equal probability for forward and backward 

movement or are dragged by an STM (scanning tunnelling 

microscopy) tip. 

Here, Kudernac et al. 1 present a molecule with 

four functional units-the previously reported rotary 

motors- that undergoes continuous and defined conformational 

changes upon sequential electronic and 

vibrational excitation. STM confirms that activation 

of the conformational changes of the rotors through 

inelastic electron tunnelling propels the molecule unidirectionally 

across a Cu(111) surface. The system can 

be adapted to follow either linear or random surface 

trajectories or to remain stationary, by tuning the chirality 

of the individual motor units. The authors state 

that, ‘the design provides a starting point for the exploration 

of more sophisticated molecular mechanical systems 

with directionally controlled motion.’ 

Reference 

1. T. Kudernac, N. Ruangsupapichat, M. Parschau, B. Maci, 

N. Katsonis, S. R. Harutyunyan, K. –H. Ernst and 

B. L. Feringa, Nature, 479(7372), 208–211 (2011) (10 

Nov., Issue). 

N2 Reduction and Hydrogenation to Ammonia 

by a Molecular Iron-Potassium Complex 

The most common catalyst in the Haber-Bosch process 

for the hydrogenation of dinitrogen (N 2) to ammonia 

(NH 3) is an iron surface promoted with potassium 

cations (K + ), but soluble iron complexes have neither 

reduced the N-N bond of N 2 to nitride (N 3− ) nor produced 

large amounts of NH 3 from N 2. 

Here, Rodriguez et al. 1 report a molecular iron 

complex that reacts with N2 and a K- reductant to give 

a complex with two nitrides, which are bound to Fe and 

K cations. The product has a Fe3N2 core, implying that 

three iron atoms cooperate to break the N-N triple bond 

through a six-electron reduction. The nitride complex 

reacts with acid and with H 2 to give substantial yields 

of N 2-derived ammonia. The authors state that, ‘these 

reactions, although not yet catalytic, give structural and 

spectroscopic insight into N 2 cleavage and N-H bondforming 

reactions of iron.’ 

Reference 

1. M. M. Rodriguez, E. Bill, W. W. Brennessel and 

P. L. Holland, Science, 334(6057), 780–783 (2011) (11 

Nov., Issue). 




page 118 


Giant Piezoelectricity on Si for Hyperactive 

MEMS 

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) incorporating 

active piezoelectric layers offer integrated 

actuation, sensing, and transduction. The broad 

implementation of such active MEMS has long 

been constrained by the inability to integrate materials 

with giant piezoelectric response, such as 

Pb(Mg 1/3Nb 2/3)O 3-PbTiO 3 (PMN-PT). 

Here, Baek, et al. 1 synthesized high-quality PMN- 

PT epitaxial thin films on vicinal (001) Si wafers with 

the use of an epitaxial (001) SrTiO3 template layer with 

superior piezoelectric coefficients (e 31, f = –(27 ± 

3 C/m 2 ) and figures of merit for piezoelectric energyharvesting 

systems. The authors have incorporated 

these heterostructures into micro-cantilevers that are 

actuated with extremely low drive voltage due to thinfilm 

piezoelectric properties that rival bulk PMN-PT 

single crystals. The authors state that, ‘these epitaxial 

heterostructures exhibit very large electromechanical 

coupling for ultrasound medical imaging, microfluidic 

control, mechanical sensing, and energy harvesting.’ 

Reference 

1. S. H. Baek, J. Park, D. M. Kim, V. A. Aksyuk, R. R. Das, 

S. D. Bu, D. A. Felker, J. Lettieri, V. Vaithyanathan, 

S. S. N. Bharadwaja, N. Bassiri-Gharb, Y. B. Chen, 

H. P. Sun, C. M. Folkman, H. W. Jang, D. J. Kreft, 

S. K. Streiffer, R. Ramesh, X. Q. Pan, S. Trolier- 

McKinstry, D. G. Schlom, M. S. Rzchowski, R. H. Blick 

and C. B. Eom, Science, 334(6058), 958–961 (2011) (18 

Nov., Issue). 

Ultralight Metallic Microlattices 

Ultralight (


Here, the authors found that a controlled arrangement 

of nm-scale Ni(OH) 2 clusters on platinum (Pt) 

electrode surfaces manifests a factor of 8 activity 

increase in catalyzing the H2 evolution reaction relative 

to state-of-the-art metal and metal-oxide catalysts. In a 

bifunctional effect, the edges of the Ni(OH) 2 clusters 

promoted the dissociation of water and the production 

of hydrogen-intermediates that then adsorbed on the 

nearby Pt surfaces and recombined into H 2. The generation 

of these hydrogen-intermediates could be further 

Books 

enhanced via Li + -induced destabilization of the HO–H 

bond, resulting in a factor of 10 total increase in activity. 

Reference 

1. R. Subbaraman, D. Tripkovic, D. Strmcnik, K.–C. Chang, 

M. Uchimura, A. P. Paulikas, V. Stamenkovic and N. 

M. Markovic, Science, 334(6060), 1256–1260 (2011) (2 

Dec., Issue). 

Recent Books and Review Articles 

in the Area of Materials Science, Engineering and Technology 

• Statistical Physics of Liquids at Freezing and 

Beyond By Shankar P. Das. Cambridge University 

Press, Cambridge, 2011. Hardback. 584 pages. 

$130, £80. ISBN 9780521858397. 

• Handbook of Battery Materials Edited by Daniel, 

Claus/Besenhard, J. O. Two Volumes. Second and 

completely revised and enlarged Edition. Wiley- 

VCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 989 pages. Euro 

349. ISBN-10: 3-527-32695-2. ISBN-13: 978-3- 

527-32695-2 - Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. 

• Principles of Solar Cells, LEDs and Diodes The role 

of the PN junction. By Kitai, Adrian. Wiley-VCH, 

Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 334 pages. Euro 142. 

ISBN 978-1-4443-1834-0; Softcover. Euro 55.90. 

ISBN-10: 1-4443-1833-0. ISBN-13: 978-1-4443- 

1833-3 - John Wiley & Sons. 

(Contributed by the Editor) 

• Self-Healing Polymers and Polymer Composites 

By Zhang, Ming Qiu/Rong, Min Zhi. Wiley-VCH, 

Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 440 pages. Euro 109. 

ISBN-10: 0-470-49712-2. ISBN-13: 978-0-470- 


• Phase Transitions By Ricard V. Solé. Princeton 

University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2011.Paperback: 

237 pages. $39.50, £27.95. ISBN 9780691150758. 

• Crystal Engineering: A Textbook By Gautam 

R. Desiraju, Jagadese J. Vittal and Arunachalam 

Ramanan. IISc Press & World Sci. Publ., India, 

2011. 216 pages. £65. 




page 120 


For a review, see, M. Zaworotko, Nature Chem., 

3(9), 653, (2011). 

For a review, see, M. Zaworotko, 

• Introductory Nanoscience – Physical and Chemical 

Concepts. By Masaru Kuno. Garland Science 

(Taylor and Francis), New York, 2011. Paperback: 

463 pp. $110. ISBN 9780815344247. 

• New Trends in the Physics and Mechanics of Biological 

Systems –École de Physique des Houches, 

Session XCII, 6–31 July 2009. Edited by Martine 

Ben Amar et al. Oxford University Press, 

Oxford, 2011. Hardback: 379 pp., $72, £40. 

ISBN 9780199605835. 

• Principles of Multiscale Modeling By 

Weinan E. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 

2011. Hardback: 484 pp., $75, £45. 

ISBN 9781107096547. 

• Engineering Strategies for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation 

By Ian S. F. Jones. Cambridge University Press, 

Cambridge, 2011. Hardback: 182 pp., illus. $85, 55. 

ISBN 9780521516020. Paperback: 182 pp., illus. 

$40, £24.99. ISBN 9780521731591. 

• Holographic Microscopy of Phase Microscopic 

Objects By Tatyana Tishko, Tishko Dmitry, and 

Titar Vladimir. World Scientific, Hackensack, 

NJ, 2011.Hardback: 107 pp., illus. $74, £49. 

ISBN 9789814289542. 

• Fundamentals of Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites By 

Gary W. Beall and Clois E. Powell. Cambridge University 

Press, Cambridge, 2011. Hardback: 193 pp., 

$120, £70. ISBN 9780521876438. 

• Thermally Stable and Flame Retardant Polymer 

Nanocomposites Edited by Vikas Mittal. Cambridge 

University Press, Cambridge, 2011. Hardback: 

405 pp., $130, £80. ISBN 9780521190756. 

• Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. Fundamentals, Technologies 

and Applications Edited by Detlev Stolten. 

Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 2010. 878 pp. Hardcover. 

Euro 249.00. ISBN 978-3527327119. 

For a review, see, Ludwig Jörissen, Angew. Chem. 

Int. Ed., 50(42), 9787(2011). 

• Computational Methods for Large Systems – Electronic 

Structure Approaches for Biotechnology and 

Nanotechnology. By Reimers, Jeffrey R. Wiley- 


119. ISBN-10: 0-470-48788-7. ISBN-13: 978-0- 

470-48788-4 - John Wiley & Sons. 

• Dendrimers –Towards Catalytic, Material 

and Biomedical Uses. By Turrin, Cedric- 

Olivier/Laurent, Regis/Ouali, Arnelle/Delavaux- 

Nicot, Beatrice. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. 

Hardcover. 566 pages. Euro 155. ISBN-10: 0- 

470-74881-8. ISBN-13: 978-0-470-74881-7 - John 

Wiley & Sons. 

• Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends – Volume 2. Edited 

by Isayev, Avraam I. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. 

Hardcover. 404 pages. Euro 139. ISBN-10: 3-527- 

31930-1. ISBN-13: 978-3-527-31930-5 - Wiley- 

VCH, Weinheim. 



• Supramolecular Photochemistry –Controlling Photochemical 

Processes. By Ramamurthy, V. Wiley- 


129. ISBN-10: 0-470-23053-3. ISBN-13: 978-0- 


• Introduction to Membrane Science and Technology 

By Strathmann, Heinrich. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. 

Hardcover. 524 pages. Euro 75. ISBN- 

10: 3-527-32451-8. ISBN-13: 978-3-527-32451-4 - 

Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. 

• Introduction to Modeling and Simulation of Technical 

and Physical Systems with Modelica By Fritzson, 

Peter. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. Softcover. 

232 pages. Euro 51.90. ISBN-10: 1-118-01068-X. 

ISBN-13: 978-1-118-01068-6 - John Wiley & Sons. 

• Advanced Materials and Processing 2010 – Proceedings 

of the 6th Intl. Conf. on ICAMP. Lijiang, 

Yunnan, P. R. China, 19–23 July 2010 Edited by 

Y. F. Zhang et al. World Scientific, Hackensack, 

NJ, 2011. Hardback: 358 pp., $140, £87. ISBN 

9789814322782. 

• Advances in Atomic Physics – An Overview. By 

Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and David Guéry-Odelin. 

World Scientific, Hackensack, NJ, 2011. Paperback: 

791 pp., $48, £30. ISBN 9789812774972. 

• Dynamical Heterogeneities in Glasses, Colloids and 

Granular Media By Ludovic Berthier et al. Oxford 

University Press, Oxford, 2011.Hardback: 464 pp., 

$135, £75. ISBN 9780199691470. 

• Molecular Machines Edited by Benoît Roux. 

World Scientific, Hackensack, NJ, 2011. Hardback: 

287 pp., $118, £77. ISBN 9789814343442. 

• Viscoelastic Behavior of Rubbery Materials By 

C. M. Roland. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 

2011. Hardback: 340 pp., $98.50, £55. ISBN 

9780199571574. 

• The Physics Book – From the Big Bang to Quantum 

Resurrection, 250 Milestones in the History 

of Physics. By Clifford A. Pickover. Sterling, New 

York, 2011. Hardback. 528 pages. $29.95, C$32.95. 

ISBN 9781402778612. 

• Translational Dynamics and Magnetic Resonance 

– Principles of Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo NMR. 

By Paul T. Callaghan. Oxford University Press, 

New York, 2011. Hardback: 565 pp., illus. $94.95, 

£49.95. ISBN 9780199556984. 

• Supramolecular Soft Matter –Applications in Materials 

and Organic Electronics. By Nakanishi, 

Takashi. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 

504 pages. Euro 109. ISBN-10: 0-470-55974-8. 

ISBN-13: 978-0-470-55974-1 - John Wiley & Sons. 




page 122 


• Introduction to Surface Engineering and Functionally 

Engineered Materials By Martin, Peter. Wiley- 

Scrivener 2011. Hardcover. 584 pages. Euro 155. 

ISBN-10: 0-470-63927-X. ISBN-13: 978-0-470- 


• Laser Welding of Plastics – Materials, Processes 

and Industrial Applications. By Klein, Rolf. Wiley- 


99. ISBN-10: 3-527-40972-6. ISBN-13: 978-3-527- 

40972-3 - Wiley-VCH, Berlin. 

• Terpyridine-based Materials – For Catalytic, Optoelectronic 

and Life Science Applications. By Schubert, 

Ulrich S. / Winter, Andreas / Newkome, 

George R. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 

522 pages. Euro 149. ISBN-10: 3-527-33038-0. 

ISBN-13: 978-3-527-33038-6 - Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. 

• Biopolymers – Biomedical and Environmental 

Applications. By Kalia, Susheel/Avérous, Luc. 

Wiley-Scrivener, 2011. Hardcover. 642 pages. Euro 

169. ISBN-10: 0-470-63923-7. ISBN-13: 978-0- 


• Tissue Engineering in Regenerative Medicine 

Edited by Harold S. Bernstein. Humana (Springer), 

New York, 2011. Hardback: 440 pp. $239. ISBN 

9781617793219. 

• Plasma Processing of Nanomaterials Edited by 

R. Mohan Sankaran. CRC Press-Taylor & Francis 

Group, 2011. Catalogue No: K12993. Hardback: 

432 pages. £82.00. ISBN: 9781439866764. ISBN 

10: 1439866767. 

• Introduction to Photovoltaic System Design By 

John Balfour, Michael Shaw and Nichole Nash. 

Jones and Bartlett India Pvt Ltd.Ansari Road, 

Daryaganj. New Delhi-110002. 2011. Hardcover. 

556 Pages. ISE Price for India US$ 42.00 

(Rs 2180). 9781449624675-PB-2013. Website: 

www.jblearning.com. 



Review Articles 

• Multifunctional Polymer Particles with Distinct 

Compartments. By J. Yoon, K. J. Lee and J. Lahann, 

J. Mater. Chem., 21(24), 8502–8510, (2011). 

Abstract 

Polymer particles with controlled internal architecture 

are currently under development for a number 

of emerging applications. In compartmentalized particles, 

well-defined pockets of distinct materials can be 

designed that can give rise to a set of orthogonal (i.e., 

dissimilar) properties within the same particle. While 

this aspect appears crucial, when multifunctional particles 

for sensing, imaging or drug delivery are sought 

after, their experimental realization has only recently 

been explored in broader terms. 

In this review, the authors highlight current 

progress related to the design and fabrication of multicompartmental 

particles and discuss potential benefits 

and experimental challenges associated with different 

synthetic routes. 121 References. 

• Fabrication of Molecular Sieve Fibers by Electrospinning. 

By J. Di, Y. Zhao and J. Yu, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(24), 8511–8520, (2011). 

Abstract 

Molecular sieves, such as zeolites and mesoporous 

materials, have been widely used in the fields of 

catalysis, adsorption, ion-exchange, and are finding 

new applications in optics, electronics, magnetism, 

medicine, etc. Molecular sieves with different morphologies 

or aggregation states, such as spheres, films, 

and fibers have been prepared to fulfil the need for 

various applications. Electrospinning offers a simple 

and straightforward way for generating ultrafine fibers 

with diameter in the range of nanometres to micrometres 

from a variety of materials. In recent decades, 

electrospinning has been introduced to prepare molecular 

sieve fibers. In this review, fibrous molecular 

sieves including zeolite fibers, siliceous and nonsiliceous 

mesoporous fibers prepared by electrospinning 

are summarized, and their prominent applications 

in optics, adsorptions, catalysis, etc. are highlighted. 

99 References. 

• Biosensors based on One-Dimensional Nanostructures. 

By I. M. Feigel, H. Vedala and A. Star, J. 

Mater. Chem., 21(25), 8940–8954, (2011). 

Abstract 

Over the past decade, one-dimensional nanostructures 

(1D-NS) have been studied for the detection of biological 

molecules. These nanometre-scale materials, 

with diameters comparable to the size of individual 

biomolecules, offer the advantage of high sensitivity. 

In this article, the authors discuss different techniques 

of biosensing using 1D-NS, namely electrical, electrochemical, 

optical, and mechanical methods, with a 

focus on the advancement of these techniques. Advantages 

and disadvantages of various synthesis and functionalization 

methods of 1D-NS, as well as biosensor 

device fabrication procedures are discussed. The main 

focus of this review is to demonstrate the progress of 

protein and DNA sensors based on 1D-NS over the 

past decade, and in addition present an outlook for the 

future of this technology. 173 References. 

• Formation, Morphology Control and Applications 

of Anodic TiO 2 Nanotube Arrays. By Z. Su and 

W. Zhou, J. Mater. Chem., 21(25), 8955–8970, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Anodic titanium dioxide films, especially anodic TiO2 

nanotube arrays, have attracted extensive interest in the 

past decade. A number of electrolytes, either aqueous 

or non-aqueous, fluoride containing or fluoride free, 

have been chosen to grow anodic titanium oxide films. 

With great improvements in the morphology control on 

porosity, pore size, nanotube length and pore ordering, 

anodic titanium oxide films have been widely 

applied in photochemical water splitting, hydrogen 

sensing, dye-sensitized solar cells, templating for low 

dimensional nanomaterials and biomedical research. 

This article presents a brief review of the progress to 

date in the formation mechanism, morphology control 

and some applications of these smart materials. 





page 124 


• Silicate Cathodes for Lithium Batteries: Alternatives 

to Phosphates?. By M. S. Islam, R. Dominko, 

C. Masquelier, C. Sirisopanaporn, A. R. Armstrong 

and P. G. Bruce, J. Mater. Chem., 21(27), 

9811–9818, (2011). 

Abstract 

Polyoxyanion compounds, particularly the olivinephosphate 

LiFePO 4, are receiving considerable attention 

as alternative cathodes for rechargeable lithium 

batteries. More recently, an entirely new class of 

polyoxyanion cathodes based on the orthosilicates, 

Li 2MSiO 4 (M = Mn, Fe, and Co), has been attracting 

growing interest. In the case of Li 2FeSiO 4, iron 

and silicon are among the most abundant and lowest 

cost elements, and hence offer the tantalising prospect 

of preparing cheap and safe cathodes from rust and 

sand! This article presents an overview of recent 

developments and future challenges of silicate cathode 

materials focusing on their structural polymorphs, 

electrochemical behaviour and nanomaterials chemistry. 


• Mitigating the Initial Capacity Loss (ICL) Problem 

in High-Capacity Lithium Ion Battery Anode Materials. 

By G. Ji, Y. Ma and J. Y. Lee, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(27), 9819–9824, (2011). 

Abstract 

This review highlights the research progress on the mitigation 

of the ICL of high capacity non-carbonaceous 

anode materials. For completeness, it begins with a 

short account of the ICL of carbon anodes. The origin 

of ICL in non-carbonaceous anode materials is then 

introduced next. Since Sn, SnO 2 and Si have attracted 

the most research interest, they are the focus of the 

discussion. This is followed by a survey of reported 

methods on mitigating the ICL of these materials. The 

literature on this subject matter is rather limited, and 

some of the methods have not been replicated besides 

the original work. Nonetheless, the authors provide 

their perspectives and approach to solving this pertinacious 

material deficiency. 41 References. 

• One Dimensional Si/Sn - based Nanowires and Nanotubes 

for Lithium-ion Energy Storage Materials. 

By N. –S. Choi, Y. Yao, Y. Cui and J. Cho, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(27), 9825–9840, (2011). 

Abstract 

There has been tremendous interest in using 

nanomaterials for advanced Li-ion battery electrodes, 

particularly to increase the energy density by 

using high specific capacity materials. Recently, it 

was demonstrated that one dimensional (1D) Si/Sn 

nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs) have great 

potential to achieve high energy density as well as long 

cycle life for the next generation of advanced energy 

storage applications. In this article, the authors review 

recent progress on Si-based NWs and NTs as high 

capacity anode materials. Fundamental understanding 

and future challenges on one dimensional nanostructured 

anode are also discussed. 108 References. 

• Transition Metal Vanadium Oxides and Vanadate 

Materials for Lithium Batteries. By F. Cheng 

and J. Chen, J. Mater. Chem., 21(27), 9841–9848, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Transition metal vanadium oxides and vanadates have 

been widely investigated as possible active materials 

for primary and rechargeable lithium batteries. As 

compared to the classic lithium-insertion compounds 

such as LiCoO 2, the composite vanadium oxides and 

vanadates have the prominent advantages of high theoretical 

capacities owing to multistep reductions and 

more electron transfer upon lithium intercalation. 

This review presents a survey of recent advances 

made in the application of transition metal vanadium 

oxides and vanadates. Particularly, the structure, 

synthesis and electrochemical properties of silver 

vanadium oxides (e.g., AgVO 3, Ag 2V 4O 11 and 

Ag 4V 2O 6F 2) and copper vanadates (e.g., CuV 2O 6, 

Cu 2.33V 4O 11 and Cu 1.1V 4O 11) are discussed, with the 

illustration of the effect of crystal structure, composition, 

and morphology on the battery performance. Benefits 

gained from reducing the particle size have been 

particularly demonstrated. 62 References. 

• Interfacing Electrolytes with Electrodes in Li Ion 

Batteries. By K. Xu and A. von Cresce, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(27), 9849–9864, (2011). 



Abstract 

Since its birth in early 1990s, Li ion battery technology 

has been powering the rapid digitization of our 

daily life and finally made its debut in 2010 into the 

large format application for electrified vehicles such 

as the Nissan Leaf and GM Chevrolet Volt. However, 

much of the chemistry and processes underneath this 

amazing energy storage device still remain to be understood, 

among which is the interphase between electrolyte 

and electrodes. Interphases are formed in situ 

on electrode surfaces from sacrificial decomposition 

of electrolytes. Their ad hoc chemistry supports the 

reversible Li + -intercalation in both anode and cathode 

materials at extreme potentials, while preventing parasitic 

reductions/oxidations on the reactive surfaces of 

those electrodes. But, their existence places restrictions 

on energy and power densities of the device by impeding 

Li + -transport and setting operating voltage limits, 

respectively. It has been the dream of battery engineers 

to maximize the former and minimize the latter. 

This review summarizes the most recent knowledge 

about the chemistry and formation mechanism 

of this elusive battery component on both anode and 

cathode surfaces. The attempts to tailor a desired interphasial 

chemistry via diversified means are also discussed. 


• 3D-Lithium Ion Batteries – From Fundamentals to 

Fabrication. By M. Roberts, P. Johns, J. Owen, 

D. Brandell, K. Edstrom, G. E. Enany, C. Guery, 

D. Golodnitsky, M. Lacey, C. Lecoeur, H. Mazor, 

E. Peled, E. Perre, M. M. Shaijumon, P. Simon and 

P. –L. Taberna, J. Mater Chem., 21(27), 9876–9890, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Three dimensional (3D)-microbatteries are proposed 

as a step change in the energy and power per footprint 

of surface mountable rechargeable batteries for microelectromechanical 

systems (MEMS) and other small 

electronic devices. Within a battery electrode, a 3D 

nanoarchitecture gives mesoporosity, increasing power 

by reducing the length of the diffusion path; in the 

separator region it can form the basis of a robust but 

porous solid, isolating the electrodes and immobilising 

an otherwise fluid electrolyte. 3D microarchitecture of 

the whole cell allows fabrication of interdigitated or 

interpenetrating networks that minimise the ionic path 

length between the electrodes in a thick cell. 

This article outlines the design principles for 

3D microbatteries and estimates the geometrical and 

physical requirements of the materials. It then gives 

selected examples of recent progress in the techniques 

available for fabrication of 3D battery structures by 

successive deposition of electrodes, electrolytes and 

current collectors onto microstructured substrates by 

self-assembly methods. 45 References. 

• SnO 2 Hollow Structures and TiO 2 Nanosheets for 

Lithium-ion Batteries. By J. S. Chen, L. A. Archer 

and X. W. (David) Lou, J. Mater Chem., 21(27), 

9912–9924, (2011). 

Abstract 

As an important energy storage platform for portable 

electronics, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been 

challenged by steadily growing demands for better performance, 

improved safety, and enhanced reliability. A 

variety of nanomaterials has emerged with good electrochemical 

properties and can be regarded as promising 

electrode materials for LIBs. 

In this article, the authors specifically discuss two 

nanomaterials systems with unique structures, which 

show particular promise as anode materials for LIBs: 

tin dioxide (SnO 2) hollow spheres and anatase titanium 

dioxide (TiO2) nanosheets (NSs) with exposed (001) 

high-energy facets. For both systems, the approaches 

for synthesizing the unique nanostructured materials 

required for improved LIB performance are given, and 

subsequently their Li-storage properties are reviewed. 

By focusing on SnO 2 and TiO 2, the authors seek 

to provide rational understanding of the relationship 

between proper nanostructuring and enhanced physicochemical 

properties of the active anode material in 

LIBs, hopefully uncovering new possibilities to generate 

advanced materials for next generation rechargeable 

batteries. 129 References. 

• Nanostructured Negative Electrodes Based on Titania 

for Li-Ion Microbatteries. By T. Djenizian, 

I. Hanzu and P. Knauth, J. Mater. Chem., 21(27), 

9925–9937, (2011). 




page 126 


Abstract 

This article reviews recent developments on Li-ion 

microbatteries. After a short literature overview, use 

of TiO 2 as an alternative anode for Li-ion batteries 

and enhanced electrochemical performances of 

nanostructured titania electrodes is introduced. Principle 

and formation mechanism of self-organized 

TiO 2 nanotubes by electrochemical anodization and 

electrochemical fabrication of metallic nanowires are 

discussed in detail. Electrochemical performance of 

negative electrodes for Li-ion microbatteries composed 

of self-organized TiO 2 nanotubes and composite 

TiO 2 nanotubes–oxide nanowires is presented. 


• A Review of Advanced and Practical Lithium Battery 

Materials. BY R. Marom, S. F. Amalraj, 

N. Leifer, D. Jacob and D. Aurbach, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(27), 9938–9954, (2011). 

Abstract 

Presented herein is a discussion of the forefront in 

research and development of advanced electrode materials 

and electrolyte solutions for the next generation 

of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The main challenge 

of the field today is in meeting the demands necessary 

to make the electric vehicle (EV) fully commercially 

viable. This requires high energy and power 

densities with no compromise in safety. Three families 

of advanced cathode materials (the limiting factor 

for energy density in the Li battery systems) are discussed 

in detail: LiMn 1.5Ni0.5O 4 high voltage spinel 

compounds, Li 2MnO 3–LiMO 2 high capacity composite 

layered compounds, and LiMPO 4, where M = Fe, 

Mn. Graphite, Si, LixTOy, and MO (conversion reactions) 

are discussed as anode materials. The electrolyte 

is a key component that determines the ability to use 

high voltage cathodes and low voltage anodes in the 

same system. Electrode–solution interactions and passivation 

phenomena on both electrodes in LIBs also 

play significant roles in determining stability, cycle life 

and safety features. 

This presentation is aimed at providing an overall 

picture of the road map necessary for the future development 

of advanced high energy density LIBs for EV 

applications. 85 References. 

• Engineering Nanostructured Electrodes Away from 

Equilibrium for Lithium-Ion Batteries. By Y. Liu, 

D. Liu, Q. Zhang and G. Cao, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(27), 9969–9983, (2011). 

Abstract 

Boosted by the rapid advances of science and technology 

in the field of energy materials, Li-ion batteries 

(LIBs) have achieved significant progress in energy 

storage performance since their commercial debut in 

1991. The development of nanostructured electrode 

material is regarded as one of the key potentials for the 

further advancement in LIBs. 

This article summarizes the authors’ recent efforts 

in the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured 

electrode materials for high-performance LIBs. 

The electrode materials include manganese oxide 

nanowall arrays, vanadium oxide nanofibers and films, 

vanadium oxide–carbon nanocomposites, lithium iron 

phosphate–carbon nanocomposite films, and titanium 

oxide nanotube arrays. Enhanced Li + intercalation 

capacities, improved rate capabilities and better cyclic 

stability were achieved by constructing micro- or 

nanostructure, controlling materials crystallinity and 

introducing desired defects on the surface and/or in the 

bulk. The fabrication of binderless and additive-free 

nanostructured electrodes for LIBs via sol–gel processing 

is also highlighted. 118 References. 

• 3D Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. 

By J. M. Holzwarth and P. X. Ma, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(28), 10243–10251, (2011). 

Abstract 

Combining the efforts of numerous fields, tissue engineering 

is tackling the most significant and widespread 

clinical issues. One of the key aspects of tissue engineering 

is the scaffold. Recently, advancements at the 

interface of materials science and cell biology have led 

to the development of synthetic polymer nanofibrous 

scaffolds. These novel constructs enhance cell adhesion, 

differentiation, and tissue formation by serving 

as a biomimetic extracellular matrix. 

This review covers the modern advancements of 

the three major fabrication techniques currently used to 



create nanofibrous scaffolds: electrospinning, molecular 

self-assembly, and thermally induced phase separation. 

Additionally, developments in the biological 

applications, with a focus on bone and cartilage tissue 

engineering, are surveyed by looking at the various 

adult and stem cell sources, the ability of the scaffolds 

to support the differentiation of various stem cells 

down multiple lineages, and the capacity of the constructs 

to form clinically relevant three dimensional 

(3D) tissue. 117 References. 

• Biotemplating Routes to Three-Dimensional Photonic 

Crystals. By M. R. Jorgensen and M. H. Bartl, 

J. Mater. Chem., 21(28), 10583–10591, (2011). 

Abstract 

The strikingly colorful world of insects is in large part 

the result of light interacting with periodically organized 

biopolymeric structures incorporated into wings, 

hairs and exoskeletons. Such structural colors have 

recently gained tremendous interest as photonic crystals 

with their ability to control the behavior of light in 

revolutionary new ways. 

This article reviews recent developments in 

employing biological structures as unique templates 

for the fabrication of inorganic photonic crystals. Different 

biotemplating methods, including atomic layer 

deposition, conformal-evaporated-film-by-rotation and 

sol–gel chemistry, are introduced and discussed. Under 

optimized conditions these methods produce highfidelity 

inorganic replica structures with improved 

sensing, light emission and photonic band gap properties. 


• Iodine-Free Redox Couples for Dye-Sensitized 

Solar Cells. By H. Tian and L. Sun, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(29), 10592–10601, (2011). 

Abstract 

Redox couples, as one of the crucial components of 

dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), have been investigated 

for many years. Due to the many drawbacks 

of I − /I 3 − electrolyte, scientists have paid more attention 

to seeking other alternative electrolyte systems. 

Up to now, the best efficiency of iodine-free redox 

couple-based DSCs, 7.5%, has been achieved by ferrocene/ferrocenium 

redox couple under AM 1.5 G, 

100 mW cm −2 light illumination and other redox couples 

also show the promising future in DSCs. 

In this article, the authors systematically present 

three series of iodine-free redox couples including 

metal-complexes, inorganic and pure organic redox 

couples, and further compare the different photovoltaic 

and photo-physical properties of these redox couples. 

As a consequence, the goals of this article are to show 

the important progress achieved in the redox couples 

research area of DSCs and analyze the advantages as 

well as the disadvantages of these redox couples to 

speed up the further development of iodine-free redox 

couples in the future. 76 References. 

• Carboxylic Group Functionalized Ordered Mesoporous 

Silicas. By L. Han, O. Terasaki and S. Che, 

J. Mater. Chem., 21(30), 11033–11039, (2011). 

Abstract 

Many research efforts have focused on the synthesis of 

organic and inorganic hybrid ordered mesoporous silicas 

(MSs) with functionalization of the exterior and/or 

interior surfaces aiming for applications in separation, 

adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, and nanotechnology. 

Among the organic groups, the carboxylic group 

is a particularly useful reactive group for many applications. 

This article provides a brief overview of the 

carboxylic group functionalized MSs and the recent 

progress in synthetic strategies and applications have 

been reviewed. 49 References. 

• Nanostructured cathode materials: a key for better 

performance in Li-ion batteries. By R. Pitchai, 

V. Thavasi, S. G. Mhaisalkar and S. Ramakrishna, J. 

Mater. Chem., 21(30), 11040–11051, (2011). 

Abstract 

Battery technology plays critical role under clean 

energy systems because it contributes for the reduction 

of greenhouse gas emissions. Breakthroughs in 

cathodes, anodes, and electrolyte materials are needed 

to reach high power and energy density in lithium 

ion batteries (LIBs). The electrochemical performance 

(cycling stability, power density, and reversibility) 

depends on the morphological and compositional characteristics 

of the electrode materials, which could be 

controlled during the synthesis and also the annealing 

process. Enormous leverage can result from the 




page 128 


advances in nanostructured electrode materials. Nano 

sized electrodes exhibit minimal impedance growth, 

which means no substantial loss of power with cycling, 

also increase the electrode/electrolyte contact area, 

which in turn increase the charge/discharge rate to 

achieve maximum power. 

This article reviews novel nanostructured cathode 

materials and their influence on the electrochemical 

performance of LIBs. 85 References. 

• Chemical Functionalisation of Silicon And Germanium 

Nanowires. By G. Collins and J. D. Holmes, J. 

Mater. Chem., 21(30), 11052–11069 (2011). 

Abstract 

The reduced dimensionality of nanowires implies that 

surface effects significantly influence their properties, 

which has important implications for the fabrication of 

nanodevices such as field effect transistors and sensors. 

This review explores the strategies available for 

wet chemical functionalisation of silicon (Si) and germanium 

(Ge) nanowires. The stability and electrical 

properties of surface modified Si and Ge nanowires is 

explored. 

While this review focuses primarily on nanowire 

surfaces, much has been learned from work on planar 

substrates and differences between two dimensional 

(2D) and nanowire surfaces are high-lighted. The 

possibility of band gap engineering and controlling 

electronic characteristics through surface modification 

provides new opportunities for future nanowire 

based applications. Nano-sensing is emerging as a 

major application of modified Si nanowires and the 

progress of these devices to date is also discussed. 


• Formation and Morphology Control of Nanoparticles 

Via Solution Routes in an Autoclave. By 

Y. Zhu, T. Mei, Y. Wang and Y. Qian, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(31), 11457–11463, (2011). 

Abstract 

Formation and morphology control of nanomaterials is 

a crucial issue in nanoscience research in the exploitation 

of novel properties. This article presents a review 

of some research activities on the formation and morphology 

control of nanoparticles via solution routes in 

an autoclave over the last decade. Several solution systems, 

including hydrothermal, solvothermal and mixed 

solvothermal routes, are specifically discussed and 

highlighted. 

A helical belt template mechanism was proposed 

for the formation of the Te nanotubes in aqueous 

ammonia. Assisted by the surfactant of sodium 

dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS), nickel nanobelts 

were hydrothermally synthesized. Ethylenediamine 

(En) and n-butylamine can be used as shape controllers 

to one-dimensional (1D) semiconductor nanostructures 

in the solvothermal process. The phase of 

metastable and stable MnS crystallites can be controlled 

by solvothermal reaction in various solvents. 

Selective preparation of 1D to 3D CdS nanostructures 

was achieved by controlling the volume ratio 

of the mixed solvents. With poly(vinylpyrrolidone) 

(PVP) serving as a soft template, the transformation 

from nanowires to nanotubes, then to nanowires was 

observed in the mixed solvents of distilled water and 

ethanolamine (EA). 74 References. 

• Mesoporous Titania Photocatalysts: Preparation, 

Characterization and Reaction Mechanisms. By 

A. A. Ismail and D. W. Bahnemann, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(31), 11686–11707, (2011). 

Abstract 

Titanium dioxide, TiO 2 is a very important semiconductor 

with a high potential for applications in 

photocatalysis, solar cells, photochromism, sensoring, 

and various other areas of nanotechnology. Increasing 

attention has recently been focused on the simultaneous 

achievement of high bulk crystallinity and 

the formation of ordered mesoporous TiO 2 frameworks 

with high thermal stability. Mesoporous TiO 2 

has continued to be highly active in photocatalytic 

applications because it is beneficial for promoting the 

diffusion of reactants and products, as well as for 

enhancing the photocatalytic activity by facilitating 

access to the reactive sites on the surface of photocatalyst. 

This steady progress has demonstrated that 

mesoporous TiO 2 nanoparticles are playing and will 

continue to play an important role in the protection of 

the environment and in the search for renewable and 

clean energy technologies. 



This review focuses on the preparation and 

characterisation of mesoporous TiO 2, noble metals 

nanoparticles, transition metal ions, non-metal/doped 

mesoporous titania networks. The photocatalytic activity 

of mesoporous titania materials upon visible 

and UV illumination are reviewed, summarized and 

discussed, in particular, concerning the influence of 

preparation and solid-state properties of the materials. 

Reaction mechanisms that are being discussed to 

explain these effects are presented and critically evaluated. 


• Recent Progress of High Performance Organic 

Thin Film Field-Effect Transistors. By Q. Meng, 

H. Dong, W. Hu and D. Zhu, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(31), 11708–11721, (2011). 

Abstract 

During the past few decades, thousands of organic 

semiconductors have been designed and synthesized 

for organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). 

However, most of them exhibit non-ideal performance. 

After carefully reviewing recent OTFTs with 

high performance, e.g., OTFTs with mobility over 

1.0 cm 2 V −1 s −1 , guidelines for device fabrication 

are highlighted, especially the importance in finding 

promising compounds and regulating molecular properties 

for OTFTs, as well as in modifying surfaces 

of dielectric and electrodes for high-quality devices. 


• Transition Metal Hydrogenophosphates: A Potential 

Source of New Protonic and Lithium Conductors. 

By V. Pralong, V. Caignaert and B. Raveau, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(33), 12188–12201, (2011). 

Abstract 

The research of new frameworks with excellent protonic 

and lithium ion conduction properties is a topic 

of high interest for the development of energy storage, 

as materials in fuel cells and batteries. The 

authors review herein, the investigations that have been 

performed on transition metal hydrogenophosphates, 

whose hydroxyl (OH) group or (H 2O) molecules or 

(H 3O + ) cations allow protonic conduction but also 

precursors for Li ion conduction to be generated, 

using both H-Li exchange and direct lithium insertion. 


• Polymorphous Transformations of Nanometric 

Iron(III) Oxide: A Review. By L. Machala, J. Tucek, 

and R. Zboril, Chem. Mater., 23(14), 3255–3272, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

There is great interest in iron oxides, especially in 

nanosized form, for both fundamental and practical 

reasons. Because of its polymorphism, ferric oxide, 

Fe 2O 3 is one of the most interesting and potentially 

useful phases of the iron oxides. Each of the four different 

known crystalline Fe 2O 3 polymorphs (alpha-, beta- 

, gamma-, and epsilon-Fe 2O 3) has unique biochemical, 

magnetic, catalytic, and other properties that make it 

suitable for specific technical and biomedical applications. 

High temperature treatment is a key step in most 

syntheses of iron(III) oxides but often triggers polymorphous 

transformations that result in the formation 

of undesired mixtures of Fe 2O 3 polymorphs. 

This review discusses the dependence of the 

mechanism and kinetics of the polymorphous transformations 

of Fe 2O 3 on the intrinsic properties of 

the material (polymorph structure, particle size, particle 

morphology, surface coating, particle aggregation, 

incorporation of particles within a matrix) and external 

parameters of synthetic and/or natural. The use of 

selected analytical tools in studying the polymorphous 

transformations of Fe2O3 is also discussed, with particular 

emphasis on in situ approaches. Finally, key 

objectives for future research in this area are highlighted: 

(i) the development of more sophisticated 

kinetic control of the γ-Fe 2O 3 → ε-Fe 2O 3 phase transformation; 

(ii) investigation of particle morphology 

changes during the polymorphous transformations of 

Fe 2O 3; and (iii) the study of high-pressure induced 

phase transformations of Fe 2O 3 polymorphs other than 

α-Fe 2O 3. 165 References. 

• Electron Transfer Dynamics in Dye-Sensitized Solar 

Cells. By A. Listorti, B. O’Regan and J. R Durrant, 

Chem. Mater., 23(15), 3381–3399, (2011). 

Abstract 

In this review, the authors address the materials design 

parameters that control the processes of charge separation, 

and thereby device efficiency, in dye-sensitized 

photoelectrochemical solar cells. The review starts 




page 130 


with an overview of the structure, energetics and 

kinetics of dye-sensitized solar cells. The parameters 

determining the efficiency of the two primary charge 

separation steps in these devices are described in detail: 

electron injection from the dye excited state into the 

metal oxide electrode, and regeneration of the dye 

ground state by the redox electrolyte. They consider 

the kinetic competition between these desired charge 

separation steps and the undesired loss pathways of 

excited state decay to ground and electron recombination 

with dye cations. 

The review avoids detailed mathematical and spectroscopic 

discussion, but rather tries to summarize 

the key conclusions relevant to materials design. A 

recurring theme is the energy cost of achieving charge 

separation, and how this limits device performance. A 

further factor addressed is, real as opposed to ideal 

materials behavior, including, for example, consideration 

of the implications of empirical observations of 

an exponential density of acceptor states in the metal 

oxide, as well as identification of unresolved issues. 


• Synthesis, Assembly and Applications of Semiconductor 

Nanomembranes. By J. A. Rogers, 

M. G. Lagally and R. G. Nuzzo, Nature, 477, 45–53, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Research in electronic nanomaterials, historically 

dominated by studies of nanocrystals/fullerenes and 

nanowires/nanotubes, now incorporates a growing 

focus on sheets with nanoscale thicknesses, referred 

to as nanomembranes. Such materials have practical 

appeal because their two-dimensional geometries facilitate 

integration into devices, with realistic pathways to 

manufacturing. Recent advances in synthesis provide 

access to nanomembranes with extraordinary properties 

in a variety of configurations, some of which 

exploit quantum and other size-dependent effects. This 

progress, together with emerging methods for deterministic 

assembly, leads to compelling opportunities 

for research, from basic studies of two-dimensional 

physics to the development of applications of heterogeneous 

electronics. 99 References. 

• Beyond the Shine: Recent Progress in Applications 

of Nanodiamond. By A. Krueger, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(34), 12571–12578, (2011). 

Abstract 

In the past few years a variety of new fields for the 

use of nanoscale diamond have emerged. In this article 

newly developed applications such as the use of 

nanodiamond in composites or for catalytic, electrochemical 

and biomedical purposes are discussed. Furthermore, 

nanodiamond can be used as a sensitive and 

stable luminescent label when suitable lattice defects 

are present in the nanoparticles. Those defects are also 

the basis for magnetic and quantum applications of this 

carbon material. 69 References. 

• Pt-based Composite Nanoparticles for Magnetic, 

Catalytic, and Ciomedical Applications. By Y. Liu, 

D. Li and S. Sun, J. Mater. Chem., 21(34), 

12579–12587, (2011). 

Abstract 

This article highlights the recent advances in the synthesis 

of Pt-based binary alloy and core–shell nanoparticles 

(NPs) for magnetic, catalytic and biomedical 

applications. These composite NPs are made by thermal 

decomposition and reduction of metal precursors 

in a high boiling point organic solvent with their size, 

shape, composition and shell thickness controlled by 

metal precursor concentrations, surfactant concentrations 

and reaction temperatures. The as-synthesized 

alloy NPs adopt typically the face centered cubic (fcc) 

structure and can be further converted into the face 

centered tetragonal (fct) structure upon high temperature 

annealing. The NP size, shape, composition and 

structure dependent magnetism and catalysis are further 

illustrated. The studies show that the fct structured 

NPs are ferromagnetic and are promising components 

for magnetic data storage media, and that the core– 

shell NPs are better catalysts for fuel cell reactions with 

much enhanced activity and durability, and that the 

fcc structured FePt NPs have great potential for multimodality 

imaging and for therapeutic applications. 


• Mimicking Tricks from Nature with Sensory 

Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials. By 

R. Martínez-Máñez, F. Sancenón, M. Biyikal, 



M. Hecht and K. Rurack, J. Mater. Chem., 21(34), 

12588–12604, (2011). 

Abstract 

Design strategies for (bio) chemical systems that are 

inspired by nature’s accomplishments in system design 

and operation on various levels of complexity are 

increasingly gaining in importance. Within the broad 

field of biomimetic chemistry, this article highlights 

various attempts toward improved and sophisticated 

sensory materials that rely on the combination of 

supramolecular (bio) chemical recognition principles 

and nanoscopic solid structures. 

Examples range from more established concepts 

such as hybrid sensing ensembles with improved 

sensitivity and selectivity or for target analytes 

to very recent approaches relying on target-gated 

amplified signalling with functionalised mesoporous 

inorganic supports and the integration of native biological 

sensory species such as trans-membrane proteins 

in spherically supported bilayer membranes. 

Besides obvious mimicry of recognition-based processes, 

selected approaches toward chemical transduction 

junctions utilizing artificially organized synapses, 

hybrid ensembles for improved antibody generation 

and uniquely colour changing systems are discussed. 

All of these strategies open up exciting new 

prospects for the development of sensing concepts and 

sensory devices at the interface of nanotechnology, 

smart materials and supramolecular (bio) chemistry. 


• Recent Advances in Photofunctional Guest/Layered 

Double Hydroxide Host Composite Systems and 

their Applications: Experimental and Theoretical 

Perspectives. By D. Yan, J. Lu, M. Wei, 

D. G. Evans and X. Duan, J. Mater. Chem., 21(35), 

13128–13139, (2011). 

Abstract 

Incorporation of organic photofunctional guests into 

host matrices has attracted considerable interest as 

a means of achieving controllable luminescence and 

other photofunctional properties for application in the 

next generation of light-emitting materials and sensors. 

In this article, recent advances in the field of photoactive 

guest/layered double hydroxide (LDH) host composite 

systems and their prospective applications are 

reviewed. 

Firstly, several chromophore/LDH solid-state powdered 

materials with attractive photophysical properties 

are introduced. Attention is then focused on 

ordered photoemissive LDH-based thin films, and 

their polarized luminescence properties and stimuliresponsive 

behavior as sensors. Finally, theoretical 

investigations of the geometric and electronic structure 

of the photofunctional guest/LDH host supramolecular 

architecture employing molecular dynamics simulations 

and periodic density functional calculations are 

briefly reviewed. 74 References. 

• A Journey in Search of Single-Walled Metal– 

Organic Nanotubes. By P. Thanasekaran, T.–T. Luo, 

C.–H. Lee and K.–L. Lu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(35), 

13140–13149, (2011). 

Abstract 

Single-walled metal–organic nanotubes (SWMONTs) 

represent a family of new structured porous materials. 

Metal–organic nanotubes (MONTs) offer an attractive 

alternative to carbon nanotubes because cationic 

metal ions are incorporated into the backbones of 

MONTs. However, efforts regarding the preparation 

of metal–organic nanotubes have been few in number, 

compared with the focus on carbon nanotubes 

(CNTs) and synthetic nanotubes (SNTs). In particular, 

the preparation of single-walled metal–organic 

nanotubes (SWMONTs) remains largely unexplored. 

The goal of this article is to highlight synthetic strategies, 

the structural characteristics of this unique class 

of SWMONTs materials and explore possible applications. 


• Nitridosilicates and Oxonitridosilicates: From 

Ceramic Materials to Structural and Functional 

Diversity. By M. Zeuner, S. Pagano and W. Schnick, 

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 50(35), 7754–7775, (2011). 

Abstract 

Silicates are one of the most important classes of compounds 

on this planet, and more than 1000 silicates 

have been identified in the mineral kingdom. Additionally, 

several hundreds of artificial silicates have been 




page 132 


synthesized. The substitution of oxygen by nitrogen 

leads to the structurally diverse and manifold class of 

nitridosilicates. Silicon nitride, one of the most important 

non-oxidic ceramic materials, is the binary parent 

compound of nitridosilicates, and it symbolizes the 

inherent material properties of these refractory compounds. 

However, prior to the last decades, a broad 

systematic investigation of nitridosilicates had not been 

accomplished. In the meantime, these and related compounds 

have reached a remarkable level of industrial 

application. 

This review illustrates recent progress in synthesis 

and structure–property relationships and also applications 

of nitridosilicates, oxonitridosilicates, and related 

SiAlONs. 212 References. 

• Advanced Organic Optoelectronic Materials: Harnessing 

Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer 

(ESIPT) Process. By J. E. Kwon and S. Y. Park, 

Adv. Mater., 23(32), 3615–3642, (2011). 

Abstract 

Recently, organic fluorescent molecules harnessing the 

excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) 

process are drawing great attention due to their unique 

photophysical properties which facilitate novel optoelectronic 

applications. After a brief introduction to 

the ESIPT process and related photophysical properties, 

molecular design strategies towards tailored 

emission are discussed in relation to their theoretical 

aspects. Subsequently, recent studies on advanced 

ESIPT molecules and their optoelectronic applications 

are surveyed, particularly focusing on chemical 

sensors, fluorescence imaging, proton transfer 

lasers, and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs. 


• Recent Progress in Synergistic Catalysis over Heterometallic 

Nanoparticles. By H.–L. Jiang and 

Q. Xu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(36), 13705–13725, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Heterometallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been emerging 

as a type of important catalyst. Bimetallic NPs 

with alloyed and core–shell structures have higher 

activities than monometallic counterparts in catalysis 

due to the synergistic effects between the two metals. 

Compared to the straightforward synthesis of bimetallic 

alloy NPs, the preparation strategies for bimetallic 

core–shell NPs are flexible and diversified. In addition, 

synergistic catalysis over trimetallic and multimetallic 

NPs has also received considerable interest in recent 

years. 

In this article, the authors provide an overview 

of the recent developments of heterometallic NPs for 

improved catalytic performance. 169 References. 

• Structure–Property Relationships of Iron Arsenide 

Superconductors. By D. Johrendt, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(36), 13726–13736, (2011). 

Abstract 

Iron based superconductors sent material scientists into 

a renewed excitement reminiscent of the time when 

the first high-Tc superconductors were discovered 25 

years ago. This article reviews relationships between 

structural chemistry and magnetic as well as superconducting 

properties of iron arsenide compounds, which 

are outstandingly rich and uniquely coupled. Particular 

attention is paid to the nature of the structural phase 

transitions of the parent compounds and their possible 

origins, on effects of doping on the crystal structures 

and on the coexistence of magnetic ordering and superconductivity. 

In spite of the many fascinating insights 

that have already enriched the research on superconductivity, 

many questions are still open and prove iron 

based superconductors to be a good recipe for future 

discoveries in this lively field. 95 References. 

• Solid State Synthesis of Nitride, Carbide and Boride 

Nanocrystals in an Autoclave. By Y. Zhu, Q. Li, 

T. Mei and Y. Qian, J. Mater. Chem., 21(36), 

13756–13764, (2011). 

Abstract 

This article provides a brief overview of the latest 

developments in the solid state synthesis of various 

nitride, carbide and boride nanocrystals in an autoclave 

at mild temperatures. An additive assisted route was 

developed for nitride, carbide and boride nanocrystals. 

In the presence of S powder, 3C–SiC nanocrystals 

were obtained utilizing waste plastics and Si powder at 

350–500 ◦ C. With the assistance of I 2, rare-earth and 

alkaline-earth hexaboride nanocrystals were prepared 

at temperatures below 400 ◦ C. As N-aminothiourea and 



iodine were added to the system containing Si and 

NaN 3, β-Si 3N 4 nanorods and α,β-Si 3N 4 nanoparticles 

could be prepared at 60 ◦ C. A ternary nitride of 

MgSiN2 can also be prepared at 350–500 ◦ C using Si, 

Mg, and NaN3 as reactants. 100 References. 

• Progress in Non-Volatile Memory Devices based on 

Nanostructured Materials and Nanofabrication. By 

J. –S. Lee, J. Mater. Chem., 2(37), 14097–14112, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Semiconductor device technology has continuously 

advanced through active research and the development 

of innovative technologies during the past decades. 

Semiconductor devices are expected to descend below 

the 10 nm scale within the next ten years. Meanwhile, 

nanofabrication technology and the synthesis of nanostructured 

materials for novel device applications have 

made considerable progress too. 

This review discusses new technologies that make 

this continuous device scaling possible. The recent 

efforts and research activities are discussed regarding 

the fabrication and characterization of non-volatile 

memory devices made of nanostructured materials and 

by nanofabrication. The review concludes with an 

analysis of device fabrication strategies and device 

architectures beyond the device scaling limit with 

an emphasis on some promising technologies from 

bottom-up approaches. 117 References. 

• Toward Flexible Polymer and Paper-Based Energy 

Storage Devices. By L. Nyholm, G. Nyström, 

A. Mihranyan and M. Strømme, Adv. Mater., 23(33), 

3751–3769, (2011). 

Abstract 

All-polymer and paper-based energy storage devices 

have significant inherent advantages in comparison 

with many currently employed batteries and supercapacitors 

regarding environmental friendliness, flexibility, 

cost and versatility. The research within this field 

is currently undergoing an exciting development as 

new polymers, composites and paper-based devices are 

being developed. 

The authors review recent progress concerning 

the development of flexible energy storage devices 

based on electronically conducting polymers and cellulose 

containing composites with particular emphasis 

on paper-based batteries and supercapacitors. They 

discuss recent progress in the development of the 

most commonly used electronically conducting polymers 

used in flexible device prototypes, the advantages 

and disadvantages of this type of energy storage 

devices, as well as the two main approaches used in the 

manufacturing of paper-based charge storage devices. 


• Bipolar Host Materials: A Chemical Approach for 

Highly Efficient Electrophosphorescent Devices. By 

A. Chaskar, H. –F. Chen and K. –T. Wong, Adv. 

Mater., 23(34), 3876–3895, (2011). 

Abstract 

The future of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) 

is drifting from electrofluorescence toward electrophosphorescence 

due to the feasibility of realizing 

100% internal quantum efficiency. There is limited 

availability of transition metals (TMs) such as Ir, Os, 

and Pt, which are used for color-tunable phosphorescent 

emitters, and the use of the host-guest strategy 

is necessary for suppressing the detrimental triplettriplet 

annihilation inherently imparted by the TMcentered 

emitters. The inevitable demands of organic 

host materials provide organic chemists with tremendous 

opportunities to contribute their expertise to this 

technology. With suitable molecular design and judicious 

selection of chemical structures featured with 

different electronic nature, the incorporation of holetransporting 

(HT) and electron-transporting (ET) moieties 

combines the advantages of both functional units 

into bipolar host materials, which perform balanced 

injection/transportation/recombination of charge carriers 

and consequentially lead the OLEDs to have higher 

performances and low roll-off efficiencies. 

This review highlights recently developed bipolar 

host materials with the focus on molecular design 

strategies and the structure-property-performance relationships 

of various classes of bipolar host materials, 

which are classified into several categories according 

to the structural features of their constituents (HT/ET 

blocks and spacers). 109 References. 




page 134 


• One-Dimensional Nanostructures of Ferroelectric 

Perovskites. By P. M. Rørvik, T. Grande and 

M. –A. Einarsrud, Adv. Mater., 23(35), 4007–4034, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes of ferroelectric 

perovskites have recently been studied with increasing 

intensity due to their potential use in nonvolatile 

ferroelectric random access memory devices, 

nano-electromechanical systems, energy-harvesting 

devices, advanced sensors, and in photocatalysis. This 

review summarizes the current status of these onedimensional(1D) 

nanostructures and gives a critical 

overview of synthesis routes with emphasis on 

chemical methods. The ferroelectric and piezoelectric 

properties of the 1D nanostructures are discussed 

and possible applications are highlighted. Finally, 

prospects for future research within this field are outlined. 


• Shape Matters: Anisotropy of the Morphology of 

Inorganic Colloidal Particles — Synthesis and Function. 

By S. Polarz, Adv. Funct. Mater., 21(17), 

3214–3230, (2011). 

Abstract 

The shape of a crystalline particle can be defined by 

a characteristic set and abundance of surfaces corresponding 

to the lattice planes [hkl] of the crystal. The 

structure, the density, the electronic system, and the 

energy of each [hkl]-surface is different from the others. 

Consequently, every morphology is also characterized 

by a unique free energy compared to alternative 

shapes at a constant surface-to-volume ratio. 

Using tools from geometrical crystallography, an 

attempt is made to describe the systems in terms of 

morphology energy landscapes. It is obvious that, similar 

to surface phenomena, shape-related properties 

are also apparent, in particular at the nanometer-scale. 

However, morphology effects go much beyond surface 

effects. It is shown that not only catalytic properties 

differ with particle shape, but also magnetic, optical, 

electronic, mechanical, and self-assembly properties 

are influenced. In addition, analytical methods 

are highlighted that are suitable for the determination 

of the shape of the particles. Different methods 

are discussed that can be found for the synthesis 

of anisotropic metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles. 


• Role of Molecular Order and Solid-State Structure 

in Organic Field-Effect Transistors. By 

M. Mas-Torrent and C. Rovira, Chem Rev., 111(8), 

4833–4856, (2011). 

Abstract 

This review highlights the influence of the molecular 

organization on the mobility of the organic fieldeffect 

transistors (OFETs), with emphasis on some of 

the factors that should be born in mind, such as polymorphism, 

intermolecular interactions, and interfaces. 

It is imperative to gain a better insight into the influence 

of the intermolecular interactions on the solidstate 

structure and the transport properties so that it will 

be feasible to design materials for specific applications. 


• Electroluminescent Materials for White Organic 

Light Emitting Diodes. By G. M. Farinola and 

R. Ragni, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3467–3482, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

White organic light emitting diodes (WOLEDs) are 

promising devices for application in low energy consumption 

lighting since they combine the potentialities 

of high efficiency and inexpensive production 

with the appealing features of large surfaces emitting 

good quality white light. However, lifetime, performances 

and costs still have to be optimized to 

make WOLEDs commercially competitive as alternative 

lighting sources. Development of efficient and stable 

emitters plays a key role in the progress of WOLED 

technology. 

This review discusses the main approaches to 

obtain white electroluminescence with organic and 

organometallic emitters. Representative examples of 

each method are reported highlighting the most significant 

achievements together with open issues and challenges 

to be faced by future research. 67 References. 



• Solution-Processable Single-Material Molecular 

Emitters for Organic Light-Emitting Devices. By 

X.–H. Zhu, J. Peng, Y. Cao and J. Roncali, Chem. 

Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3509–3524, (2011). 

Abstract 

This tutorial review presents some recent 

developments in the design, synthesis and implementation 

of organic solution-processable molecular 

fluorophores for non-doped electroluminescent lightemitting 

devices. After a brief presentation of the basic 

principles of operation and main characteristics of 

electroluminescent devices, some examples of active 

emitters representative of the main classes of nondoped 

molecular electrofluorophores will be discussed. 

Emphasis is placed on the relationships between the 

molecular structure and the electronic properties of 

molecular emitters, in which high photoluminescence 

efficiency, synthetic accessibility and processability 

are combined by design with additional functions such 

as hole and/or electron injection and transport. 50 References. 

• Metal-organic Complex Ferroelectrics. By T. Hang, 

W. Zhang, H. –Y. Ye and R. –G. Xiong, Chem. Soc. 

Rev., 40 (7), 3577–3598, (2011). 

Abstract 

Ferroelectric materials are of importance and interest 

in both fundamental scientific research and various 

technological applications. Metal-organic complexes 

(MOCs) represent a class of molecule-based ferroelectrics, 

which have shown various properties or functionalities 

due to their hybrid inorganic–organicnature. 

This article reviews the recent developments of the 

MOC ferroelectrics with particular emphases on the 

mechanism of ferroelectric-to-paraelectric phase transition, 

symmetry consideration, and multifunctionality. 


• Electron Transporting Semiconducting Polymers in 

Organic Electronics. By X. Zhao and X. Zhan, 

Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3728–3743, (2011). 

Abstract 

Significant progress has been achieved in the preparation 

of semiconducting polymers over the past two 

decades, and successful commercial devices based on 

them are slowly beginning to enter the market. However, 

most of the conjugated polymers are hole transporting, 

or p-type, semiconductors that have seen a 

dramatic rise in performance over the last decade. 

Much less attention has been devoted to electron 

transporting, or n-type, materials that have lagged 

behind their p-type counterparts. Organic electron 

transporting materials are essential for the fabrication 

of organic p–n junctions, organic photovoltaic 

cells (OPVs), n-channel organic field-effect transistors 

(OFETs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) 

and complementary logic circuits. In this review the 

authors focus upon recent developments in several 

classes of electron transporting semiconducting polymers 

used in OLEDs, OFETs and OPVs, and survey 

and analyze what is currently known concerning 

electron transporting semiconductor architecture, electronic 

structure, and device performance relationships. 

87 references. 

• Electronic Conduction in Polymers, Carbon Nanotubes 

and Graphene. By A. B. Kaiser and 

V. Skákalová, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3786–3801, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

In the years since the discovery of organic polymers 

that exhibited electrical conductivities comparable 

to some metals, other novel carbon-based conductors 

have been developed, including carbon nanotubes 

and graphene (monolayers of carbon atoms). 

In this review the authors discuss the common features 

and the differences in the conduction mechanisms 

observed in these carbon-based materials, which range 

from near ballistic and conventional metallic conduction 

to fluctuation-assisted tunnelling, variable-range 

hopping and more exotic mechanisms. For each category 

of material, they discuss the dependence of conduction 

on the morphology of the sample. The presence 

of heterogeneous disorder is often particularly 

important in determining the overall behavior, and can 

lead to surprisingly similar conduction behavior in 

polymers, carbon nanotube networks and chemicallyderived 

graphene. 122 References. 

• Application of Carbon Fibers to Biomaterials: 

A New Era of Nano-Level Control of Carbon 

Fibers after 30-Years of Development. By N. Saito, 




page 136 


K. Aoki, Y. Usui, M. Shimizu, K. Hara, N. Narita, 

N. Ogihara, K. Nakamura, N. Ishigaki, H. Kato, 

H. Haniu, S. Taruta, Y. A. Kim and M. Endo, Chem. 

Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3824–3834, (2011). 

Abstract 

Carbon fibers are state-of-the-art materials with properties 

that include being light weight, high strength, 

and chemically stable, and are applied in various 

fields including aeronautical science and space science. 

Investigation of applications of carbon fibers to biomaterials 

was started 30 or more years ago, and various 

products have been developed. Because the latest 

technological progress has realized nano-level control 

of carbon fibers, applications to biomaterials have also 

progressed to the age of nano-size. Carbon fibers with 

diameters in the nano-scale (carbon nanofibers) dramatically 

improve the functions of conventional biomaterials 

and make the development of new composite 

materials possible. Carbon nanofibers also open possibilities 

for new applications in regenerative medicine 

and cancer treatment. The first three-dimensional constructions 

with carbon nanofibers have been realized, 

and it has been found that the materials could be used 

as excellent scaffolding for bone tissue regeneration. 

In this review, the authors summarize the history 

of carbon fiber application to the biomaterials and 

describe future perspectives in the new age of nanolevel 

control of carbon fibers. 122 References. 

• Ordered Mesoporous Non-oxide Materials. By 

Y. Shi, Y. Wan and D. Zhao, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 

3854–3878, (2011). 

Abstract 

Ordered mesoporous inorganic non-oxide materials 

attract increasing interest due to their plenty of unique 

properties and functionalities and potential applications. 

Lots of achievements have been made on their 

synthesis and structural characterization, especially 

in the last five years. In this review, the ordered 

mesoporous non-oxide materials are categorized by 

compositions, including non-oxide ceramics, metal 

chalcogenides, metal nitrides, carbides and fluorides, 

and systematically summarized on the basis of their 

synthesis approaches and mechanisms, as well as properties. 

Two synthesis routes such as hard-templating 

(nanocasting) and soft-templating (surfactant assembly) 

routes are demonstrated. The principal issues in 

the nanocasting synthesis including the template composition 

and mesostructure, pore surface chemistry, 

precursor selection, processing and template removal 

are emphatically described. A great number of successful 

cases from the soft-templating method are 

focused on the surfactant liquid-crystal mesophases 

to synthesize mesostructured metal chalcogenide 

composites and the inorganic-block-organic copolymer 

self-assembly to obtain non-oxide ceramics. 


• Ternary and Higher Pnictides; Prospects for New 

Materials and Applications. By J. M. Cameron, 

R. W. Hughes, Y. Zhao and D. H. Gregory, Chem. 

Soc. Rev., 40(7), 4099–4118, (2011). 

Abstract 

Discoveries of complex solid compounds of the group 

15 elements have risen dramatically over the past two 

decades and within the last ten years, the potential 

offered by unusual and unexpected physical and chemical 

properties and phenomena are beginning to be 

realised in a materials context. 

This review highlights some of the many areas 

in which ternary and higher pnictides are making 

an impact. A growing understanding of synthesisstructure-property 

relationships in nitrides, phosphides, 

arsenides and antimonides in particular has led 

to amazing progress over a very short space of time 

and provided insight that has proved to be transferrable 

to other areas of solid state and materials chemistry. 


• Nanomaterials of High Surface Energy with Exceptional 

Properties in Catalysis and Energy Storage. 

By Z. –Y. Zhou, N. Tian, J. –T. Li, I. Broadwell 

and S. –G. Sun, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 4167–4185, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

The properties of nanomaterials for use in catalytic and 

energy storage applications strongly depends on the 

nature of their surfaces. Nanocrystals with high surface 

energy have an open surface structure and possess 

a high density of low-coordinated step and kink atoms. 



Possession of such features can lead to exceptional catalytic 

properties. The current barrier for widespread 

industrial use is found in the difficulty to synthesise 

nanocrystals with high-energy surfaces. 

A review of the progress made for producing 

shape-controlled synthesis of nanomaterials of high 

surface energy using electrochemical and wet chemistry 

techniques is presented. Important nanomaterials 

such as nanocrystal catalysts based on Pt, Pd, 

Au and Fe, metal oxides TiO 2 and SnO 2, as well as 

lithium Mn-rich metal oxides are covered. Emphasis 

of current applications in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, 

gas sensor and lithium ion batteries are extensively 

discussed. Finally, a future synopsis about emerging 

applications is given. 139 References. 

• Construction of Heterostructure Materials Toward 

Functionality. By H. Zheng, Y. Li, H. Liu, X. Yin 

and Y. Li, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(9), 4506–4524, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

One- and zero-dimensional organic/inorganic 

heterostructure materials have been attracting considerable 

attention in materials science because of their 

outstanding optical and electrical properties and high 

tailorability in terms of composition, structure, and 

morphology. Strong interactions between the organic 

and inorganic units can lead to novel or improved 

physical or chemical performance relative to that of 

the individual components, thereby realizing synergistic 

(“1 + 1 > 2”) performance. 

In this review, the authors discuss the synthetic 

methods available for preparing heterostructures incorporating 

diverse components; the functionality of the 

heterostructure materials; and their potential applications 

in the fields of electronics, optics, biology, 

and catalysis. The future development of such heterostructure 

materials will require deeper understanding 

of organic–inorganic or organic–organic interfaces 

on the nanoscale, collective phenomena, and interparticle 

coupling. 91 References. 

• Development of Hafnium based High-k Materials 

— A Review. By J. H. Choi, Y. Mao, J. P. Chang, 

Mater. Sci. & Engg., R 72(6), 97–136, (2011). 

Abstract 

The move to implement metal oxide based gate 

dielectrics in a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect 

transistor (MOS-FET) is considered one of the most 

dramatic advances in materials science since the invention 

of silicon based transistors. Metal oxides are superior 

to SiO 2 in terms of their higher dielectric constants 

that enable the required continuous down-scaling of the 

electrical thickness of the dielectric layer while providing 

a physically thicker layer to suppress the quantum 

mechanical tunneling through the dielectric layer. Over 

the last decade, hafnium based materials have emerged 

as the designated dielectrics for future generation of 

nano-electronics with a gate length less than 45 nm, 

though there exists no consensus on the exact composition 

of these materials, as evolving device architectures 

dictate different considerations when optimizing a gate 

dielectric material. In addition, the implementation of 

a non-silicon based gate dielectric means a paradigm 

shift from diffusion based thermal processes to atomic 

layer deposition processes. 

Here, the authors review how HfO 2 emerges from 

all likely candidates to become the new gold standard 

in the microelectronics industry, its different phases, 

reported electrical properties, and materials processing 

techniques. Then they use specific examples to discuss 

the evolution in designing hafnium based materials, 

from binary to complex oxides and to non-oxide forms 

as gate dielectric, metal gates and diffusion barriers. To 

address the impact of these hafnium based materials, 

their interfaces with silicon as well as a variety of semiconductors 

are discussed. Finally, the integration issues 

are highlighted, including carrier scattering, interface 

state passivation, phonon engineering, and nano-scale 

patterning, which are essential to realize future generations 

of devices using hafnium-based high-k materials. 


• Current-Induced Domain Wall Motion in Nanoscale 

Ferromagnetic Elements. By O. Boulle, G. Malinowski, 

M. Kläui, Mater. Sci. & Engg., R72(9), 

159–187, (2011). 

Abstract 

The manipulation of a magnetic domain wall (DW) 

by a spin polarized current in ferromagnetic nanowires 

has attracted tremendous interest during the last few 




page 138 


years due to fundamental questions in the fields of 

spin dependent transport phenomena and magnetization 

dynamics but also due to promising applications, 

such as DW based magnetic memory concepts and 

logic devices. 

Here, the authors comprehensively review recent 

developments in the field of geometrically confined 

domain walls and in particular, current- induced DW 

dynamics. They focus on the influence of the magnetic 

and electronic transport properties of the materials on 

the spin transfer effect in DWs. After considering the 

different DW structures in ferromagnetic nanowires, 

the theory of magnetization dynamics induced by a 

spin polarized current is presented. They first discuss 

the different current induced torques and their origin 

in the light of recent theories based on a simple 

s-d exchange model and beyond. Experimental results 

illustrating the effects of spin transfer in different ferromagnetic 

materials and geometries constitute the body 

of the review. The case of soft in-plane magnetized 

nanowires is described first, as it is the most widely 

studied class of ferromagnetic materials in this field. 

High perpendicular anisotropy materials characterized 

by narrow domain walls have also raised considerable 

interest. These materials with only a few nanometer 

wide DWs combined several key advantages over 

soft magnetic materials such as higher non-adiabatic 

effects leading to lower critical current densities and 

high domain wall velocities. The authors also review 

the recent experimental results obtained in this class of 

materials and discuss the important implications they 

entail for the nature of the spin torque effect acting on 

DWs. 312 References. 

• Simple Rules for the Understanding of Heusler 

Compounds. By T. Graf, C. Felser and 

S. S. P. Parkin, Progr. Solid State Chem., 39(1), 

1–50, (2011). 

Abstract 

Heusler compounds are a remarkable class of intermetallic 

materials with 1:1:1 (often called Half- 

Heusler) or 2:1:1 composition comprising more than 

1500 members. Today, more than a century after their 

discovery by Fritz Heusler, they are still a field of 

active research. New properties and potential fields of 

applications emerge constantly; the prediction of topological 

insulators is the most recent example. Surprisingly, 

the properties of many Heusler compounds can 

easily be predicted by the valence electron count. Their 

extremely flexible electronic structure offers a toolbox 

which allows the realization of demanded but apparently 

contradictory functionalities within one ternary 

compound. Devices based on multifunctional properties, 

i.e., the combination of two or more functions 

such as superconductivity and topological edge states 

will revolutionize technological applications. The subgroup 

of more than 250 semiconductors is of high 

relevance for the development of novel materials for 

energy technologies. Their band gaps can readily be 

tuned from zero to ≈4 eV by changing the chemical 

composition. Thus, great interest has been attracted in 

the fields of thermoelectrics and solar cell research. 

The wide range of their multifunctional properties is 

also reflected in extraordinary magneto-optical, magnetoelectronic, 

and magnetocaloric properties. The 

most prominent example is the combination of magnetism 

and exceptional transport properties in spintronic 

devices. 

To take advantage of the extremely high potential 

of Heusler compounds, simple rules for the understanding 

of the structure, the electronic structure and 

the relation to the properties are reviewed. 437 References. 

• Rare-earth Hexaborides Nanostructures: Recent 

Advances in Materials, Characterization and Investigations 

of Physical Properties. By X. H. Ji, 

Q. Y. Zhang, J. Q. Xu and Y. M. Zhao, Progr. Solid 

State Chem., 39(2), 51–69, (2011). 

Abstract 

Nanostructured rare-earth hexaborides (REB 6) are 

promising materials for photonic and electronic applications 

due to their unique characteristic. These 

include high melting point, hardness, chemical 

stability, low work function, low volatility at high 

temperatures, superconductivity, magnetic properties, 

efficiency, thermionic emission, and narrow band 

semiconductivity. 

This article focuses on recent developments regarding 

the synthesis, characterization, and applications 



of REB 6 nanostructures. The authors first summarize 

information regarding the classification and crystal 

chemistry of REB6. Next, they examine the means 

by which researchers have successfully synthesized 

REB6. The structural properties and morphology of 

REB 6, and the growth mechanism involved in their 

fabrication are considered. Finally, the authors offer 

suggestions for the use of REB 6 nanostructures in 

photonic and electronic applications, and identify four 

areas for further research. 88 References. 

• Electronic Properties of Oxides: Chemical and Theoretical 

Approaches. By S. F. Matar, G. Campet and 

M. A. Subramanian, Progr. Solid State Chem., 39(2), 

70–95, (2011). 

Abstract 

An original analysis of the electronic and chemical 

properties of oxides is proposed based on the electronegativity 

χ and the chemical hardness η. This 

model which has been applied to various oxide based 

metals, degenerate semiconductors and optical properties 

of transition metal oxides allows explaining 

their electronic behaviors: Strong electronegativity and 

weak chemical hardness characterize oxides of transition 

elements with high oxidation state. Strong electronegativity 

and strong chemical hardness feature 

insulators with a large optical gap. Weak electronegativity 

and moderate chemical hardness describe alkali 

and alkaline earth oxides and weak electronegativity 

and strong chemical hardness are for ionic oxides with 

a relatively large optical gap. For a few illustrative 

case studies, ab intio electronic band structure calculations 

within the density functional theory framework 

are used. 64 References. 

• Microstructural Evolution of Oxides and Semiconductor 

Thin Films. By Z. W. Chen, Z. Jiao, 

M. H. Wu, C. H. Shek, C. M. L. Wu and J. K. L. Lai, 

Progr. Mater. Sci., 56(7), 901–1029, (2011). 

Abstract 

This review article introduces the preparation methodologies 

and the microstructural characteristics of semiconductor 

thin films, including SnO 2 thin films, Au/Ge 

bilayer films, and Pd–Ge alloy thin films, and metal 

oxides, including SnO, SnO2, Mn2O3 and Mn3O 4 

nanocrystals which can be in the form of nanoparticles, 

nanowires, nanorods, and nanofractals. 

Firstly, the preparation methodologies and the 

microstructural characteristics of tin oxides have been 

investigated in detail. Secondly, the crystallization 

of amorphous Ge, and the formation of nanocrystals 

and compounds developed with improved microand 

nanostructured features are described. Thirdly, 

a novel selective synthesis route for various morphologies 

of manganese oxides nanocrystals, including 

nanoparticles, nanorods and nanofractals, and their 

unique microstructural characteristics are presented. 

Intricate fundamental properties of manganese oxides 

nanocrystals are studied in detail. To sum up, it is 

expected that the fabrication methodologies developed 

and the knowledge of microstructural evolution 

gained in semiconductor thin films, will provide 

an important fundamental basis underpinning further 

interdisciplinary (physics, chemistry and materials 

science) research in this field leading to promising 

exciting opportunities for future technological applications 

involving these oxide and thin film materials. 


• Shape-memory Polymers and their Composites: 

Stimulus Methods and Applications. By J. Leng, 

X. Lan, Y. Liu and S. Du, Progr. Mater. Sci., 56(7), 

1077–1135, (2011). 

Abstract 

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) undergo significant 

macroscopic deformation upon the application of an 

external stimulus (e.g., heat, electricity, light, magnetism, 

moisture and even a change in pH value). They 

have been widely researched since the 1980s and are 

an example of a promising smart material. 

This article provides a comprehensive review of 

SMPs, encompassing a fundamental understanding of 

the shape-memory effect, fabrication, modeling and 

characterization of SMPs, various actuation methods 

and multifunctional properties of SMP composites, and 

potential applications for SMP structures. A definition 

of SMPs and their fundamentals are first presented. 

Next, a description of their fabrication, characterization 

and constitutive models of SMPs are introduced. 

SMP composites, which act to improve a certain function 

as functional materials or the general mechanical 




page 140 


properties as structural materials, are briefly discussed. 

Specially, the SMP composites can be developed into 

multifunctional materials actuated by various methods, 

such as thermal-induced, electro-activated, lightinduced, 

magnetic-actuated and solution-responsive 

SMPs. As smart materials, the applications of SMPs 

and their composites receive much interest, including 

deployable structures, morphing structures, biomaterials, 

smart textiles and fabrics, SMP foams, 

automobile actuators and self-healing composite systems. 


• Graphene based Materials: Past, Present and 

Future. By V. Singh, D. Joung, L. Zhai, S. Das, 

S. I. Khondaker and S. Seal, Progr. Mater. Sci., 

56(8), 1178–1271, (2011). 

Abstract 

Graphene, a two dimensional monoatomic thick building 

block of a carbon allotrope, has emerged as an 

exotic material of the 21st century, and received worldwide 

attention due to its exceptional charge transport, 

thermal, optical, and mechanical properties. Graphene 

and its derivatives are being studied in nearly every 

field of science and engineering. Recent progress has 

shown that the graphene-based materials can have 

a profound impact on electronic and optoelectronic 

devices, chemical sensors, nanocomposites and energy 

storage. 

The aim of this review article is to provide a 

comprehensive scientific progress of graphene to date 

and evaluate its future perspective. Various synthesis 

processes of single layer graphene, graphene nanoribbons, 

chemically derived graphene, and graphenebased 

polymer and nano particle composites are 

reviewed. Their structural, thermal, optical, and electrical 

properties were also discussed along with their 

potential applications. The article concludes with a 

brief discussion on the impact of graphene and related 

materials on the environment, its toxicological effects 

and its future prospects in this rapidly emerging field. 


• Mechanical and Electronic Properties of Diborides 

of Transition 3d–5d Metals from First Principles: 

Toward Search of Novel Ultra-Incompressible and 

Superhard Materials. By A. L. Ivanovskii, Progr. 

Mater. Sci., 57(1), 184–228, (2012). 

Abstract 

Currently, appreciable progress has been achieved in 

the development of design principles, synthesis, investigations 

and predictions of various groups of ultraincompressible 

and superhard materials. One of the 

recently proposed families of these promising materials 

is represented by the diborides of heavy 4d 

and 5d metals. Along with experiments, the theoretical 

ab initio methods, which involve no a priori 

assumptions about the electronic structure and intraatomic 

interactions, are very effective approaches in 

the determination and prediction of structural, mechanical, 

magnetic, optical, dielectric and superconducting 

properties of such materials. 

This paper offers a review of the recent advances 

in theoretical understanding and predictions of the 

mechanical properties- as obtained by means of ab 

initio calculations – for a broad family of metal 

diborides MB 2, and their relations to electronic, cohesive 

and bonding characteristics of these materials. 


• Laser Sintering of Polyamides and other Polymers. 

By R. D. Goodridge, C. J. Tuck and R. J. M. Hague, 

Progr. Mater. Sci., 57(2), 229–267, (2012). 

Abstract 

With the evolution of additive techniques from prototyping 

tools (Rapid Prototyping; RP) to the production 

of actual end-use parts (Additive Manufacturing; 

AM), there is a growing need to develop and be able to 

process a much greater variety of materials than is currently 

possible. The handful of current polymeric materials 

that exist for processing by additive techniques 

does not meet the requirements of the majority of commercial 

products. There is therefore considerable interest 

from industrial and academic organizations, who 

realize the capabilities this technology has in the design 

and implementation of products, to increase material 

choice and to have a comprehensive understanding of 

the fundamental material properties. 

This review looks at the factors that need to be considered 

when selecting and processing polymers and 

the research that has been carried out to date, focusing 

on laser sintering, which is one of the most established 

and widely used AM approaches. It also examines the 



limitations of current laser sintering systems in relation 

to the processing of polymer materials. The effect this 

has on the development of new and improved materials 

for laser sintering is evaluated, in addition to the difficulties 

experienced in maintaining consistency with 

current laser sintering polymers. 134 References. 

• Strong, Low Thermal Expansion Niobate Ceramics. 

By M. J. Dejneka, C. L. Chapman and S. T. Misture, 

J. Amer. Ceram. Soc., 94(8), 2249–2261, (2011). 

Abstract 

A new family of low thermal expansion niobate ceramics 

was discovered that sinter to form unusual high permeability 

microstructures. The coefficient of thermal 

expansion (CTE) can be tailored from −4 × 10 −7 / ◦ C 

to +40 × 10 −7 / ◦ C by control of composition and firing 

temperature. The inherent vapor-phase transport 

sintering gives rise to low to negative firing shrinkage, 

more than 50% porosity, and a microstructure of 

loosely packed interlocking acicular grains that result 

in highly permeable porous filters with good strength 

and low backpressure in clean and soot-loaded conditions. 

The acicular grains show extensive solid solution 

with multiple components that enables a large 

compositional flexibility for engineering properties. 

The low thermal expansion and high strength coupled 

with the low structural Young’s modulus of the 

fibrous microstructure give these materials excellent 

thermal shock resistance. Titanium and zirconium niobates 

are resistant to potassium-based NOx adsorbers 

up to 900 ◦ C, are chemically durable, thermally stable, 

and suitable for diesel particulate filters and catalyst 

supports. 26 References. 

• A Review of Accelerated Conditioning for a 

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell. By 

X. –Z. Yuan, S. Zhang, J. C. Sun and H. Wang, J. 

Power Sources., 196(22), 9097–9106, (2011). 

Abstract 

A newly fabricated polymer electrolyte membrane 

(PEM) fuel cell usually needs a so-called breakin/conditioning/incubation 

period to activate it and 

reach its best performance. Typically, during this activation 

period the cell performance increases gradually, 

and then reaches a plateau without further increase. 

Depending on the membrane electrode assemblies, this 

process can take hours and even days to complete, 

which consumes a considerable amount of hydrogen 

fuel, leading to a higher operating cost. 

To provide for accelerated conditioning techniques 

that can complete the process in a short time period, 

this paper reviews established conditioning protocols 

and reported methods to condition PEM single cells 

and stacks, in an attempt to summarize available information 

on PEM fuel cell conditioning and the underlying 

mechanisms. Various techniques are arranged 

into two categories: on-line conditioning and off-line 

conditioning. For each technique, the experimental 

procedure and outcomes are outlined. Finally, weaknesses 

of the currently used conditioning techniques 

are indicated and further research efforts are proposed. 


• A Review of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel 

Cell Durability Test Protocols. By X. –Z. Yuan, 

H. Li, S. Zhang, J. Martin and H. Wang, J. Power 

Sources., 196(22), 9107–9116, (2011). 

Abstract 

Durability is one of the major barriers to polymer electrolyte 

membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) being accepted 

as a commercially viable product. It is therefore important 

to understand their degradation phenomena and 

analyze degradation mechanisms from the component 

level to the cell and stack level so that novel component 

materials can be developed and novel designs 

for cells/stacks can be achieved to mitigate insufficient 

fuel cell durability. It is generally impractical and 

costly to operate a fuel cell under its normal conditions 

for several thousand hours, so accelerated test methods 

are preferred to facilitate rapid learning about key 

durability issues. 

Based on the US Department of Energy (DOE) 

and US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) accelerated test 

protocols, as well as degradation tests performed by 

researchers and published in the literature, the authors 

review the degradation test protocols at both component 

and cell/stack levels (driving cycles), aiming to 

gather the available information on accelerated test 

methods and degradation test protocols for PEMFCs, 

and thereby provide practitioners with a useful toolbox 

to study durability issues. These protocols help 




page 142 


prevent the prolonged test periods and high costs associated 

with real lifetime tests, assess the performance 

and durability of PEMFC components, and ensure that 

the generated data can be compared. 107 References. 

• Fluorescent Conjugated Polyelectrolytes for 

Bioimaging. By K. –Y. Pu and B. Liu, Adv. Funct. 

Mater., 21(18), 3408–3423, (2011). 

Abstract 

This article summarizes the recent advances of watersoluble 

fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) 

in bioimaging. Apart from a brief overview of traditional 

linear CPEs, a special emphasis is placed 

on CPEs that can self-assemble into or are born 

with three-dimensional nano-architectures, including 

grafted CPEs, hyperbranched CPEs, and polyhedral 

oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS)-based CPE derivatives. 

These CPEs naturally form nanoparticles with 

sizes ranging from 3 to 100 nm in aqueous media, 

and possess reactive functional groups for bioconjugation 

or complexation with desired biorecognition 

elements. The tunable size, low cytotoxicity, good 

photostability, and ease of surface modification ultimately 

enable these CPEs with wide applications in 

in vitro intracellular protein sensing, cell detection, 

in vivo cell imaging and drug tracking. Moreover, 

traditional linear CPEs can be transformed into uniform 

nanoparticles by complexation with oppositely 

charged biomolecules to allow for cell detection and 

in situ drug release monitoring. The work featured 

herein not only reveals the important molecular design 

principles of CPEs for different imaging tasks, but 

also highlights the promising directions for the further 

development of CPE-based imaging materials. 


• Towards the Next Level of Bioinspired Dry 

Adhesives: New Designs and Applications. By 

M. K. Kwak, C. Pang, H. –E. Jeong, H. –N. Kim, 

H. Yoon, H. –S. Jung and K.-Y. Suh, Adv. Funct. 

Mater., 21(19), 3606–3616, (2011). 

Abstract 

This article aims to highlight the authors’ recent efforts 

to develop more robust gecko-inspired dry adhesives 

and their applications. 

Due to recent progress in micro- and nanofabrication 

techniques, it is possible to fabricate highly 

sophisticated multiscale, hierarchical structures using 

various polymer materials. In addition, the adhesion 

strength of synthetic dry adhesives has been shown to 

be similar to or exceed that of real gecko foot-hair by 

several times. Therefore, it is timely and appropriate to 

drive the research of gecko-inspired dry adhesives into 

a new epoch by investigating more robust dry adhesive 

structures, efficient detachment mechanisms, and new 

applications. 

Here, the authors present a series of recent achievements 

to overcome some of the limitations of geckolike 

hair structures such as rough surface adaptation, 

durability, and controlled geometry, with particular 

emphasis on materials issues and detachment mechanism. 

For potential applications, a clean transportation 

device and a biomedical skin patch are briefly 

described to expand the application realm from the 

well-known wall climbing robot. 64 References. 

• A Material’s Point of View on Recent Developments 

of Polymeric Biomaterials: Control of Mechanical 

and Biochemical Properties. By V. Gribova, 

T. Crouzier and C. Picart, J. Mater. Chem., 21(38), 

14354–14366, (2011). 

Abstract 

Cells respond to a variety of stimuli, including biochemical, 

topographical and mechanical signals originating 

from their micro-environment. Cell responses 

to the mechanical properties of their substrates have 

been increasingly studied for about 14 years. To this 

end, several types of materials based on synthetic and 

natural polymers have been developed. Presentation of 

biochemical ligands to the cells is also important to 

provide additional functionalities or more selectivity in 

the details of cell/material interaction. 

In this review article, the authors emphasize the 

development of synthetic and natural polymeric materials 

with well-characterized and tunable mechanical 

properties. They also highlight how biochemical signals 

can be presented to the cells by combining them 

with these biomaterials. Such developments in materials 

science are not only important for fundamental biophysical 

studies on cell/material interactions but also 

for the design of a new generation of advanced and 



highly functional biomaterials. 126 References. 

• Dendrimers in Biosensors: Concept and Applications. 

By J. Satija, V. V. R. Sai and S. Mukherji, J. 

Mater. Chem., 21(38), 14367–14386, (2011). 

Abstract 

The performance of biosensors, i.e. the sensitivity, 

specificity, linearity, reusability, chemical stability, and 

reproducibility is critically dependent on the biofunctionalization 

of the sensor platform. The type(s) of 

linkers used for the immobilization of the capture 

probes and the exact immobilization protocol play 

a vital role in the overall performance of sensors. 

Supramolecular dendritic architectures have shown 

immense potential in designing and developing the 

sensor platforms. Researchers have demonstrated that 

these hyperbranched three dimensional (3D) molecules 

show enhanced sensitivity, reduced nonspecific binding, 

greater accessibility of the probe for the target analyte, 

high stability and low variability in their response. 

Hence, designing a sensor with a dendrimer as a linker 

is a successful approach to obtain superior sensor performance 

and minimize the overall cost of a sensor. 

In this article, the authors discuss various aspects 

of dendrimers from the point of view of sensor design, 

hoping that this review will excite more researchers 

into exploiting the exceptional properties of dendrimers 

in biosensor development. 156 References. 

• Medical Applications of Inorganic Fullerene-like 

Nanoparticles. By A. R. Adini, M. Redlich and 

R. Tenne, J. Mater. Chem., 21(39), 15121–15131, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Nanoparticles of layered compounds, like MoS 2 and 

WS 2, having hollow closed-cage structures and known 

as fullerene-like (IF) and inorganic nanotubes (INT), 

are synthesized in macroscopic amounts. They were 

found to have superior tribological properties and can 

serve as solid-state additives to different lubrication 

fluids. More recently, metallic films incorporating the 

IF nanoparticles were prepared via wet deposition 

methods and also by physical vapor deposition techniques. 

The incorporation of the nanoparticles endows 

such coatings self-lubricating behavior, i.e., low friction 

and wear, which is highly desirable for variety of 

applications. 

This article provides a short overview of the 

progress in the materials synthesis of IF and INT 

phases. Subsequently, a progress report of the various 

efforts to apply such coatings to medical devices and 

drug delivery is described. 50 References. 

• Preparation and Functionality of Clay-containing 

Films. By C. –H. Zhou, Z. –F. Shen, L. –H. Liu and 

S. –M. Liu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(39), 15132–15153, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

This article provides an insight into state-of-the-art 

advances in the preparation and functionalization of 

clay-containing thin films. Layered clay minerals and 

their synthetic counterparts such as cationic montmorillonite, 

saponite, laponite and anionic layered double 

hydroxides are often used as main components or functional 

fillers in the hybrid films. Strategic assembly of 

clay minerals or layered double hydroxides with functional 

molecules has led to a variety of nanostructured 

clay-containing hybrid films. 

Many studies have suggested that the functional 

clay-containing films have potential applications in 

many areas such as catalysis, modified electrodes and 

optoelectronic devices, anti-corrosion and packaging 

materials. The prospects for the future preparation and 

applications of clay-containing films are discussed. 


• Putting Anion–π Interactions Into Perspective. By 

A. Frontera, P. Gamez, M. Mascal, T. J. Mooibroek 

and J. Reedijk, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.,, 50(41), 

9564–9583, (2011). 

Abstract 

Supramolecular chemistry is a field of scientific exploration 

that probes the relationship between molecular 

structure and function. It is the chemistry of the 

noncovalent bond, which forms the basis of highly 

specific recognition, transport, and regulation events 

that actuate biological processes. The classic design 

principles of supramolecular chemistry include strong, 

directional interactions like hydrogen bonding, halogen 

bonding, and cation–π complexation, as well as 

less directional forces like ion pairing, π–π, solvophobic, 

and van der Waals potentials. In recent years, 

the anion–π interaction (an attractive force between an 




page 144 


electron-deficient aromatic π system and an anion) has 

been recognized as a hitherto unexplored noncovalent 

bond, the nature of which has been interpreted through 

both experimental and theoretical investigations. The 

design of selective anion receptors and channels based 

on this interaction represent important advances in the 

field of supramolecular chemistry. 

The objectives of this Review are 1) to discuss 

current thinking on the nature of this interaction, 2) to 

survey key experimental work in which anion–π bonding 

is demonstrated, and 3) to provide insights into the 

directional nature of anion–π contact in X-ray crystal 

structures. 

• Hybrid Semiconductor Nanoparticles: π-Conjugated 

Ligands and Nanostructured Films. By Y. Park and 

R. C. Advincula, Chem. Mater., 23(19), 4273–4294, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Hybrid inorganic–organic colloidal nanoparticles can 

be designed to achieve specific and complementary 

optoelectronic properties different from their sole 

organic and inorganic counterparts. The efficient coupling 

between organic and inorganic moieties facilitates 

optimization of these optoelectronic properties as 

single particles. A compatible organic shell facilitates 

greater solubility and dispersion of the inorganic core 

in a host polymer matrix. The use of a dendronic ligand 

provides an interesting method for facilitating surface 

functionalization, nanoparticle solubility, and electrochemical 

reactivity. 

By focusing on chalcogenide and semiconductor 

nanocrystals (NCs) or quantum dots (QDs), it is possible 

to limit the properties directly to charge carrier 

transport and energy transfer mechanisms. Each hybrid 

nanoparticle in essence carries the same properties 

replicated or dispersed within a film or a pattern. This 

review focuses on the design, preparation, and properties 

of such nanomaterial systems. 236 References. 

• Mass and Heat Transport in Direct Methanol 

Fuel Cells. By A. Ismail, S. K. Kamarudin, 

W. R. W. Daud, S. Masdar and M. R. Yosfiah, J. 

Power Sources., 196(23), 9847–9855, (2011). 

Abstract 

The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a better alternative 

to the conventional battery. The DMFC offers 

several advantages, namely, faster building of potential 

and longer-lasting fuel. However, there are still several 

issues that need to be addressed to design a better 

DMFC system. 

This article is a wide-ranging review of the most 

up-to-date studies on mass and heat transfer in the 

DMFC. The discussion is focused on the critical problems 

limiting the performance of DMFCs. In addition, 

a technique for upgrading the DMFC with an integrated 

system is presented, along with existing numerical 

models for modeling mass and heat transfer as well 

as cell performance. 123 References. 

• Thienoacene-Based Organic Semiconductors. 

By K. Takimiya, S. Shinamura, I. Osaka and 

E. Miyazaki, Adv. Mater., 23(38), 4347–4370, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Thienoacenes consist of fused thiophene rings in a 

ladder-type molecular structure and have been intensively 

studied as potential organic semiconductors for 

organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) in the last 

decade. They are reviewed here. 

Despite their simple and similar molecular 

structures, the hitherto reported properties of 

thienoacene-based OFETs are rather diverse. This 

Review focuses on four classes of thienoacenes, which 

are classified in terms of their chemical structures, 

and elucidates the molecular electronic structure of 

each class. The packing structures of thienoacenes 

and the thus-estimated solid-state electronic structures 

are correlated to their carrier transport properties 

in OFET devices. With this perspective of the 

molecular structures of thienoacenes and their carrier 

transport properties in OFET devices, the structure– 

property relationships in thienoacene-based organic 

semiconductors are discussed. The discussion provides 

insight into new molecular design strategies for 

the development of superior organic semiconductors. 




• Phonon Engineering through Crystal Chemistry. By 

E. S. Toberer, A. Zevalkink and G. J. Snyder, J. 

Mater. Chem., 21(40), 15843–15852, (2011). 

Abstract 

Mitigation of the global energy crisis requires tailoring 

the thermal conductivity of materials. Low thermal 

conductivity is critical in a broad range of energy 

conversion technologies, including thermoelectrics and 

thermal barrier coatings. 

Here, the authors review the chemical trends and 

explore the origins of low thermal conductivity in 

crystalline materials. A unifying feature in the latest 

materials is the incorporation of structural complexity 

to decrease the phonon velocity and increase scattering. 

With this understanding, strategies for combining 

these mechanisms can be formulated for designing new 

materials with exceptionally low thermal conductivity. 


• Methods for Carbon Nanotubes Synthesis—Review. 

By J. Prasek, J. Drbohlavova, J. Chomoucka, 

J. Hubalek, O. Jasek, V. Adam and R. Kizek, J. 

Mater. Chem., 21(40), 15872–15884, (2011). 

Abstract 

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been under scientific 

investigation for more than fifteen years because 

of their unique properties that predestine them for 

many potential applications. The field of nanotechnology 

and nanoscience push their investigation forward 

to produce CNTs with suitable parameters for future 

applications. It is evident that new approaches of their 

synthesis need to be developed and optimized. 

Here, the authors review the history, types, structure 

and especially the different synthesis methods for 

CNTs preparation including arc discharge, laser ablation 

and chemical vapour deposition. They also mention 

some rarely used ways of arc discharge deposition 

which involves arc discharge in liquid solutions in contrary 

to standard method of deposition in a gas atmosphere. 

In addition, the methods for uniform vertically 

aligned CNTs synthesis using lithographic techniques 

for catalyst deposition as well as a method utilizing a 

nanoporous anodized aluminium oxide as a pattern for 

selective CNTs growth, are reported. 166 References. 

• The Growth of Mixed Alkaline-earth Fluorides for 

Laser Host Applications. By J. T. Mouchovski, 

K. A. Temelkov and N. K. Vuchkov, Progr. Crystal 

Growth & Character. Mater., 57(1), 1–41, (2011). 

Abstract 

A comprehensive analysis is implemented concerning 

the growth, properties, and applications of doped– 

co-doped single and mixed alkali earth fluoride 

systems. A procedure has been established for providing 

researchers with optical quality calcium–strontium 

fluoride crystals with widely varying composition 

grown under practically identical conditions, using the 

Bridgman–Stockbarger method. 104 References. 

• Ordering and Magnetostriction in Fe Alloy Single 

Crystals. By S. Guruswamy, G. Garside, C. Ren, 

B. Saha and M. Ramanathan, Progr. Crystal Growth 

& Character. Mater., 57(2–3), 43–64, (2011). 

Abstract 

Short-range and long-range ordering in α-Fe terminal 

solid solution phase (A2 phase with bcc structure) 

influences its physical, mechanical, magnetic 

and magnetostrictive behavior. Single crystal sample 

forms are ideal for examining order in these alloys 

using X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. Limited 

structural information available suggests that the 

lattice of A2 phase at room temperature contains a mixture 

of regions with local atomic environments similar 

to those expected in the long-range ordered structures 

in stable/metastable equilibrium with the A2 phase. 

The nature and extent of these regions are sensitive to 

alloy composition and the thermal history. The lattice 

strain modulations result from the nature of solute atom 

distribution (short-range ordering) in each region and 

impact the physical, mechanical, corrosion and magnetic 

behaviors. 

A need for a fundamental understanding of 

ordering in Fe and other alloys through structural evaluations 

of local atomic environments in alloy single 

crystals is suggested in this review. 68 References. 




page 146 


• Piezoelectric Materials for High Temperature Sensors. 

By S. Zhang and F. Yu, J. Amer. Ceram. Soc., 

94(10), 3153–3170, (2011). 

Abstract 

Piezoelectric materials that can function at high temperatures 

without failure are desired for structural 

health monitoring and/or nondestructive evaluation of 

the next generation turbines, more efficient jet engines, 

steam, and nuclear/electrical power plants. The operational 

temperature range of smart transducers is limited 

by the sensing capability of the piezoelectric material 

at elevated temperatures, increased conductivity and 

mechanical attenuation, variation of the piezoelectric 

properties with temperature. 

This article discusses properties relevant to sensor 

applications, including piezoelectric materials 

that are commercially available and those that are 

under development. Of particular interest is oxyborate 

[RECa 4O(BO 3) 3] (RE = rare earth) single crystals 

for ultrahigh temperature applications (>1000 ◦ C). 

These crystals offer piezoelectric coefficients and electromechanical 

coupling factors, significantly higher 

than those values of α-quartz piezocrystals. Furthermore, 

the absence of phase transitions prior to their 

melting points ∼1500 ◦ C, together with ultrahigh electrical 

resistivities (>10 6 Ωcm at 1000 ◦ C) and thermal 

stability of piezoelectric properties (< 20% variations 

in the range of room temperature ∼1000 ◦ C), allow 

potential operation at extreme temperature and harsh 

environments. 166 References. 

• Biologically Inspired Hairy Structures for Superhydrophobicity. 

By S. –H. Hsu, K. Woan and 

W. Sigmund, Mater. Sci., & Engg., R72(10), 

189–201, (2011). 

Abstract 

Superhydrophobic surfaces have received tremendous 

attention in the last decade, owing to the 

number of emerging applications in conservation of 

environment. These surface properties are based on 

physio-chemical principles and can be transferred into 

technical “biomimetic” materials, as successfully done 

for the Lotus leaves. 

This article provides a review of the most recent 

development in superhydrophobic surfaces. Examples 

of superhydrophobic surfaces from nature are presented. 

It focuses on the hairy exterior of many different 

plant and animal species which renders them 

water repellent for protecting and maintaining crucial 

life functions. The classical Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter 

models along with manufacturing and understanding of 

the wettability of flexible hairy structures are reviewed. 


• Intermediate-Temperature Proton Conductors and 

their Applications to Energy and Environmental 

Devices. By T. Hibino J. Ceram. Soc, Japan, 119 

(1393), 677–686, (2011). 

Abstract 

The development of proton conductors has proceeded 

rapidly in recent years. A number of organic 

or inorganic materials show proton conductivities 

of ∼10 −2 S cm −1 at temperatures below 100 ◦ C. 

However, although there is great current demand for 

proton conductors capable of operating in the temperature 

range of 100–400 ◦ C in practical applications, very 

few materials that can satisfy this demand have been 

reported to date. Acceptor-doped SnP 2O 7 are promising 

candidate materials because their proton conductivities 

reach >10 −1 S cm −1 in the temperature range 

of interest. 

This article presents an overview of the current 

status of acceptor-doped SnP 2O 7, highlighting the 

mechanism and kinetics of proton conduction and the 

development of electrochemical devices using these 

materials. New insights for proton insertion and conduction 

are proposed that use electrochemical techniques. 

Two approaches to designing SnP 2O 7-based 

composite electrolytes with good mechanical properties 

have also been developed for different operating 

temperatures. In addition, the benefits of intermediatetemperature 

operation using these materials are discussed 

in terms of practical applications, especially 

in fuel cells, exhaust sensors, and solid catalysts. 


• Light-Trapping Nano-Structures in Organic Photovoltaic 

Cells. By D. –H. Ko, J. R. Tumbleston, 

A. Gadisa, M. Aryal, Y. Liu, R. Lopez 

and E. T. Samulski, J. Mater. Chem., 21(41), 

16293–16303, (2011). 



Abstract 

Nano-structures used as light trapping schemes in 

organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are reviewed. Light 

management via nano-structures enables one to exploit 

sub-diffraction limit properties, thereby giving access 

to enhanced light absorption in OPV cells. Light trapping 

schemes have been demonstrated in the form of 

surface plasmons, anti-reflection coatings, and photonic 

crystal patterns. Versatile methods are now available 

to facilitate fabrication of such nano-structures 

on sufficiently large areas for OPV applications. 


• A Review on Self-Cleaning Coatings. By 

V. A. Ganesh, H. K. Raut, A. S. Nair and S. Ramakrishna, 

J. Mater. Chem., 21(41), 16293–16303, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

This review summarizes the key areas of self-cleaning 

coatings, primarily focusing on various materials that 

are widely used in recent research and also in commercial 

applications. The article discusses hydrophobic 

and hydrophilic coatings, their working mechanism, 

fabrication techniques that enable the development 

of such coatings, various functions like Anti-icing, 

Electro-wetting, Surface-switchability and the areas 

where self-cleaning technology can be implemented. 

Moreover, different characterization techniques and 

material testing feasibilities are analyzed and discussed. 

Though several companies have commercialized 

a few products based on self-cleaning coating 

technology, much potential still remains in this field. 


• Self-Assembly and Flux Closure Studies of Magnetic 

Nanoparticle Rings. By A. Wei, T. Kasama and 

R. E. Dunin-Borkowski, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 

16686–16693, (2011). 

Abstract 

Thermoremanent magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can 

self-assemble into rings through dipolar interactions, 

when dispersed under appropriate conditions. Analysis 

of individual MNP rings and clusters by off-axis 

electron holography reveals bistable flux closure (FC) 

states at ambient temperatures, and their reversible 

switching by magnetic field gradients. The authors 

introduce a line-bond formalism to describe the coupling 

between MNPs. 39 References. 

• Chemically Induced Self-Assembly of Spherical 

and Anisotropic Inorganic Nanocrystals. By 

D. Baranov, L. Manna and A. G. Kanaras, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(42), 16686–16693, (2011). 

Abstract 

The self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles is a 

research area of great interest aiming at the fabrication 

of unique mesostructured materials with intrinsic 

properties. Although many assembly strategies have 

been reported over the years, chemically induced selfassembly 

remains one of the dominant approaches 

to achieve a high level of nanoparticle organization. 

In this article the authors review the latest developments 

in assembly driven by the active manipulation 

of nanoparticle surfaces. 129 References. 

• Metal Nanomaterial-based Self-Assembly: Development, 

Electrochemical Sensing and SERS Applications. 

By S. Guo and S. Dong, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(42), 16704–16716, (2011). 

Abstract 

Metal nanomaterials (MNMs) have received considerable 

interest from different scientific communities 

due to their size, shape, composition and architecturedependent 

chemical and physical properties. MNMsbased 

self-assembly techniques are often essential for 

creating new multi-dimensional assembly architectures, 

which are very important for revealing new or 

enhanced properties and application potentials. This 

feature article will focus on recent advances in MNMsbased 

self-assembly and their potential application in 

electrochemical sensor and surface enhanced Raman 

spectroscopy (SERS). First, new significant developments 

in different self-assembly strategies for constructing 

two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional 

(3D) MNMs-based arrays or superstructures will be 

summarized. Then, diversified assembling approaches 

to different types of hybrid or multifunctional nanomaterials 

containing MNMs will be outlined. The review 

next introduces some exciting new pushes for the use 

of nanoarchitectures produced through self-assembly 

techniques for applications in electrochemical sensors 

and SERS. Finally, we conclude with a look at the 




page 148 


future challenges and prospects of the development of 

MNMs-based self-assembly. 96 References. 

• Click-Chemistry for Nanoparticle-Modification. By 

N. Li and W. H. Binder, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 

16717–16734, (2011). 

Abstract 

Both function and use of nanoparticles (NPs) to a great 

extent are dominated by interfacial energies, which 

in turn can be addressed by chemical modifications. 

This article focuses exclusively on the use of ‘click’chemistry 

for NP-surface modification, also putting a 

major focus on the application of the resulting NPs in 

bio- and nanoscience. As ‘click’-chemistry is a universal 

method to link reaction partners in high efficiency, 

solvent insensitivity and at moderate reaction 

conditions, its use for engineering NP surfaces has 

become widespread. The basic approach of Cu(I)catalyzed 

azide/alkyne-‘click’ (CuAAC) chemistry for 

NP-science is elucidated in this article, together with 

the applications of the resulting surface modified NPs 

in medicine, nanotechnology and bioassay-science. 


• Bionanoparticles and Hybrid Materials: Tailored 

Structural Properties, Self-assembly, Materials and 

Developments in the field. By P. van Rijn and 

A. Böker, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 16735–16747, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

The authors discuss new developments with respect to 

bionanoparticles as well as bionanoparticle hybrid systems 

and their use in composite materials. The recognition 

of the particle character and behavior of proteins 

and viral particles has a major impact on the development 

of novel nanoparticle systems and adds new functions 

and possibilities. 

The types of particles discussed in this review will 

give access to new functional materials, not only in 

medical- and biotechnological applications but also in 

electronic devices and possibly membrane-technology. 

Though, many systems have been developed, still 

more is to be discovered and significant advances 

are expected if more (sub-) disciplines are combined. 


• 2D Superlattices and 3D Supracrystals of Metal 

Nanocrystals: A New Scientific Adventure. By 

M. P. Pileni, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 16748–16758, 

(2011). 

Abstract 

Nanocrystals are able to self-assemble in hexagonal 

networks (2D) and in supracrystals (3D). Here, it is 

shown that the interparticle distance is tuned by the 

presence of water molecules adsorbed at the nanocrystal 

interface and on the alkyl chains used as coating 

agents. By using an intrinsic property due to the 

nanocrystal ordering, a new, but destructive, method is 

proposed to detect defects on a large monolayer scale. 

The supracrystal growth mechanism changes with the 

nanocrystal size from a heterogeneous (layer-by-layer) 

to a homogeneous (growth in solution) process. Co 

supracrystals are highly stable after annealing at 350 ◦ C 

with an improvement in the nanocrystal ordering, i.e., 

in the supracrystallinity. With Ag supracrystals it was 

possible, from the same batch of 5 nm Ag nanocrystals, 

to control the supracrystallinity with phase transitions 

of hcp to fcc and amorphous solids to hcp and 

bcc. Finally a tentative analogy between atoms and 

nanocrystals is proposed in the crystal growth process. 

These data open a new research area with a large potential 

for discovering new chemical and physical properties. 


• Gold Nanorod Ensembles as Artificial Molecules 

for Applications in Sensors. By L. Xu, H. Kuang, 

L. Wang and C. Xu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 

16759–16782, (2011). 

Abstract 

The central goal in nanoscience is to achieve control 

of the structural characteristics of ensembles (artificial 

molecules) of anisotropic nanoparticles (NPs), which 

contain new fundamental information about plasmonically 

or electronically coupled single NPs. Based 

on their collective behavior, these artificial molecules 

have potential in optoelectronics and sensing. 

This review mainly covers different strategies for 

the synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanorods 

(GNRs), the properties of self-assembled structures, 

the application of such structures as sensors, and the 

trends and future perspective of the self-assembly of 

GNRs. 220 References. 



• Self-Assembly of Latex Particles for the Creation 

of Nanostructures with Tunable Plasmonic Properties. 

By P. Patoka and M. Giersig, J. Mater. Chem., 

21(42), 16783–16796, (2011). 

Abstract 

In this review the authors discuss the creation of 

two dimensional (2D) nanostructures based on selfassembly 

of latex particles. Furthermore they show that 

optical properties of these structures can be controlled 

with their morphology and materials used for their 

preparation. Two representative structures, namely 2Darrays 

of triangles and holes are discussed in detail, 

starting with the preparatory step, followed by the 

structural and optical characterization, as well as the 

theoretical explanation of the plasmonic properties. 


• Self-assembly of Particles: Some Thoughts and 

Comments. By X. C. Jiang, Q. H. Zeng, C. Y. Chen 

and A. B. Yu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 16797– 

16805, (2011). 

Abstract 

Self-assembly can happen to particles at all length 

scales, including atomic, nano-, meso- and macroparticles. 

Although widely used in nanoresearch, many 

nano-structures reported in the literature are not selfassembled, 

posing some fundamental questions. 

This paper briefly reviews this topic, answering 

the following questions: what is the current status in 

self-assembling nanoparticles? Why is it so difficult 

to produce self-assembled structures of nanoparticles? 

How can we effectively overcome the difficulty? The 

important role of controlling forces of various types 

in relation to different self-assembly techniques is discussed. 

Self-assembly is demonstrated as a complex 

problem that still needs intensive multi-scaled studies. 


• Chiral Nanoparticle Assemblies: Circular Dichroism, 

Plasmonic Interactions, and Exciton Effects. 

By A. O. Govorov, Y. K. Gun’ko, J. M. Slocik, 

V. A. Gérard, Z. Fan and R. R. Naik, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(42), 16806–16818, (2011). 

Abstract 

The paper reviews recent progress on chiral nanocrystal 

assemblies with induced optical chirality and 

related circular dichroism. 

Many natural molecules and biomolecules are chiral 

and exhibit remarkably strong optical chirality 

(circular dichroism) due to their amazingly uniform 

atomic composition in a large ensemble. It is challenging 

to realize artificial nanoscale systems with optical 

chirality since the atomic structure of artificial nanostructures 

may not be always controlled or even known. 

Nevertheless, the artificial optical chirality has been 

accomplished and it is the main scope of this review. 

In particular, the autghors discuss assemblies incorporating 

chiral molecules, metal nanocrystals, and 

semiconductor quantum dots. Plasmon-induced and 

plasmon-enhanced circular dichroism effects appear 

in nanoscale assemblies built with metal nanocrystals, 

while excitonic and surface-states related phenomena 

are observed in semiconductor quantum dots conjugated 

with chiral molecules. 97 References. 

• Magnetic Nanoparticles: Recent Advances in 

Synthesis, Self-assembly and Applications. By 

S. Singamaneni, V. N. Bliznyuk, C. Binek 

and E. Y. Tsymbal, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 

16819–16845, (2011). 

Abstract 

Nanostructured magnetic materials have a variety 

of promising applications spreading from nano-scale 

electronic devices, sensors and high-density data storage 

media to controlled drug delivery and cancer 

diagnostics/treatment systems. Magnetic nanoparticles 

offer the most natural and elegant way for fabrication 

of such (multi-) functional materials. 

In this review, the authors briefly summarize the 

recent progress in the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles 

(which now can be done with precise control 

over the size and surface chemistry), and nanoscale 

interactions leading to their self-assembly into 1D, 

2D or 3D aggregates. Various approaches to selforganization, 

directed-, or template-assisted assembly 

of these nanostructures are discussed with the special 

emphasis on magnetic-field enabled interactions. 

They also discuss new physical phenomena associated 

with magnetic coupling between nanoparticles 




page 150 


and their interaction with a substrate and the characterization 

of the physical properties at the nanoscale using 

various experimental techniques (including scanning 

quantum interferometry (SQUID) and magnetic force 

microscopy). Applications of magnetic nanoparticle 

assemblies in data storage, spintronics, drug delivery, 

cancer therapy, and prospective applications such as 

adaptive materials and multifunctional reconfigurable 

materials are also highlighted. 272 References. 

• Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering of Electrically 

Percolating Arrays of Nanoparticles: A Mini 

Review. By J. Kane, J. Ong and R. F. Saraf, J. Mater. 

Chem., 21(42), 16846–16858, (2011). 

Abstract 

Nanoparticles and their arrays do not obey Ohm’s law, 

even when the particles are made of metal, because 

of their small size. The non-Ohmic behavior is due 

to their low capacitance that allows (local) storage of 

charge at the single electron level to pose a substantial 

barrier to the passage of current at bias, V, below 

a threshold voltage, VT. The VT is inversely proportional 

to the size of the particle. For a typical


dimension of the material and their implications on 

the electrical properties are discussed in detail. Distinct 

domain nucleation, growth, and propagation behaviors 

in nm-scale ferroelectric capacitors are discussed and 

compared to those of micrometer-scale counterparts. 

MRS-S Membership 

The structural effect of ferroelectric nanocapacitors on 

the domain switching behavior and cross-talk between 

neighboring capacitors under external electric field is 

reviewed. 116 References. 

Readers are invited to become members of the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S). 

Professional Membership is open to any person engaged in activities associated with materials science, engineering 

and technology. 

Student Membership is open to any bonafide student of a tertiary institution genuinely interested in the practice 

of materials science, engineering and technology. 

Corporate Membership is open to any organisation, government or private, commercial or otherwise, that is in 

any way engaged in any activities that deal with any aspect of material science, engineering and technology. A 

Corporate Membership is entitled to nominate two of its employees as its official representatives and to change its 

nominees from time to time provided the Committee has no objection to any such nomination. 

Annual Subscription Fee: 

Professional Membership: S$50 

Student Membership: S$10 

Corporate Membership: S$500 

For details and application form, please visit: www.mrs.org.sg 

Report on the 6thConference of the Asian Consortium on 

Computational Materials Science (ACCMS-6) 

(Contributed by Prof. Yuan Ping Feng, Physics Dept., National University of Singapore, Singapore. 

E-mail: phyhead@nus.edu.sg) 

The 6th Conference of the Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science (ACCMS-6) was held at 

Biopolis in Singapore during 6 – 9 Sept., 2011. It was jointly organized by the National University of Singapore 

(NUS), Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S), Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), and 

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at the Nanyang Technological University, with financial supports from NUS, 

MRS-S, IHPC, IAS, Lee Foundation, US Air Force Office of Scientific Research Asian Office of Aerospace R & 

D, Novaglobal Pte Ltd, Accelrys, and Singapore Tourism Board. 

ACCMS 

The ACCMS was established to nurture and promote research and development activities in computational materials 

science in Asian countries. The biennial ACCMS conference has become an international event for exchanging 




page 152 


information and sharing latest developments in advanced computational methodologies and their applications in 

material science and engineering. The previous ACCMS conferences were successfully held in India (Bangalore 

2001), Russia (Novosibirsk, 2004), China (Beijing, 2005), Korea (Seoul, 2007), and Vietnam (Hanoi, 2009). 

ACCMS-6 drew 180 participants from 19 countries/regions. Countries/regions strong in computational materials 

science such as Japan, Korea, China, India, Singapore, and Taiwan were well represented. ACCMS-6 also saw a 

significantly increased number of participants from countries such as Thailand (14) and Vietnam (7) that are fast 

developing research activities in computational materials science. 

Participants of ACCMS-6. 

The conference covered topics ranging from fundamental computational methodologies (density functional 

theory and beyond, quantum mechanical based interatomic potentials, molecular dynamic and Monte-Carlo simulation 

of thermodynamic and kinetic properties at large length and time scales, phase field method of microstructural 

simulation, etc.) to their applications in understanding different materials properties as well as predicting 

new ones. 

Highlights of the Conference 

The three-day conference consisted of plenary sessions, invited talks, contributed talks, and poster presentations, 

covering a wide range of topics of computational materials science. Many leading computational materials scientists 

in Asia, such as Prof. Jisoon Ihm from Korea, Prof. Yoshiyuki Kawazoe from Japan, Profs. Enge Wang 

and Xingao Gong from mainland China, Prof. C. T. Chan from Hong Kong, Prof. Mei-Yin Chou from Taiwan, 

Profs G. P. Das and Vijay Kumar from India, to name only a few, attended the conference and presented their latest 

research findings. Top researchers from other parts of the world such as Profs. Steven G. Louie and P. Jena from 

USA, Prof. O. K. Andersen from Germany, Prof. J. Tse from Canada gave invited talks at the conference. 

In his plenary lecture, Prof. Louie (Univ. of California at Berkeley) presented recent progress in employing and 

extending the GW approach to novel materials, defects in solids, nanostructures, and molecules. Results from some 

selected systems and several conceptual and methodological issues were discussed. It is noted that with the recent 

advances, ab initio GW calculations of systems with hundreds of atoms may now be carried out. As illustrations, 

Prof. Louie described findings on several systems of current interest, including investigations on the properties of 

graphene and graphene nanostructures, charge transition levels and spectroscopic properties of defects in solids 

(e.g., vacancies in hafnia and the NV- center in diamond), electronic multiplet structure in open-shell systems, and 

topologically protected surface states on topological insulators. 



In the other plenary lecture, Prof. O. K. Andersen (Max Planck Inst. for Solid State Res., Stuttgart) illustrated 

how electronic structure calculations can be used to design superconductors with higher Tc, based on nickelates, 

instead of cuprates. By using density-functional calculations followed by downfolding to a correlated, low-energy 

Hubbard Hamiltonian, and solving the latter in the dynamical mean-field approximation (DMFT), Prof. Andersen 

and his collaborators have shown that by confining a single layer of LaNiO3 (lanthanum nickelate) between layers 

of an insulating oxide, higher Tc can be achieved. With a single layer of nickelate and properly chosen confining 

material, the electron correlations in such a system help to empty the (3z 2 -1)-like band and enforce a single 

(x 2 - y 2 )-like conduction band with a Fermi-surface whose shape is like that of the cuprates with the highest Tc. 

Prof. O. K. Andersen (left) and Prof. S. G. Louie delivering their plenary lectures. 

A number of speakers presented latest developments in computational methods, including GW approximation, 

quantum Monte Carlo, all-electron mixed-basis ab initio method, multi-scale simulation, molecular dynamics 

(MD)- based on self-consistent and environment dependent (SCED) Hamiltonian developed in the framework of 

linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO), magnetic potentials coarse-grained from electronic structure calculations 

for defect modeling, etc. As in other materials science conferences in recent years, graphene, topological 

insulators and related materials were the favorite topics and prominently featured in the ACCMS-6. A number 

of presentations were devoted to computational studies of bilayer graphene, twisted multilayer graphene, hydrogenated 

graphene, graphene superlattices and nanoribbons, graphene oxide, as well as related materials such as 

boron nitride sheet. Another type of materials that strongly featured in ACCMS-6 was energy storage materials, 

such as hydrogen storage materials, solid state batteries, and photovoltaic materials. 

Computational approaches, particularly based on ab initio electronic structure methods, have become important 

tools in discovering and designing new materials. Materials design was also a popular topic among papers 

presented. Y. H. Lu of NUS, Singapore proposed a new hexagonal phase for TiO 2 which has a smaller band gap 

and can make more efficient use of sun light in photocatalytic hydrogen production. P. Sen of Harish-Chandra Res. 

Inst., India presented his work on design of a new class of magnetic superatoms. 

To accommodate more oral presentations without lengthening the duration of the conference, parallel sessions 

were introduced for the first time in ACCMS-6 for this conference series. Except the early morning session which 

included a plenary talk/award winning lecture in each of the three days, the rest of the sessions were conducted 

with two sessions in parallel. It was a challenge for the organizer to plan the sessions to minimize potential overlaps 

between the two sessions, and for the session chairs to keep the time. However, the meeting rooms were next two 

each other which made it easy for participants to move from one session to the other. Both sessions were well 

attended. 




page 154 


Kawazoe Best Poster Awards 

In addition to high quality invited and contributed oral presentations, more than half of the papers were presented 

as posters, which allowed more interactions between the authors and participants of the conference. Five posters, 

listed below, were chosen from the 84 posters presented for the Kawazoe Poster Awards. The authors were presented 

with a certificate, a book (co)-authored by Prof. Y. Kawazoe and cash prize during the conference banquet 

held on 8 Sept., 2011. 

Authors Organization Topic 

Chan-Yeup Chung, 

Hiroshi Mizuseki, and 

Yoshiyuki Kawazoe 

Do Ngoc Son and 

Takahashi Kaito 

Jeongwoon Hwang, 

Changwon Park, Gunn 

Kim, and Jisoon Ihm 

Ming Yang, Chun Zhang, 

Yuanping Feng, and 

Ariando 

Xiaoping YANG and 

Haibin SU 

Institute for Materials 

Research, Tohoku 

University, Japan 

Academia Sinica, 

Taiwan 

Seoul National 

University, S. Korea 

National University of 

Singapore, Singapore 

Oxygen Vacancy Effects on Single 

Crystalline La3(Ta0.5Ga5.5)O11 

Piezoelectric Materials 

Selectivity of PdCo Alloy towards 

Oxygen Reduction Reaction 

Pseudospin Rotation and Valley 

Mixing in Electron Scattering at 

Various Graphene Edges 

Ultra-Flat Graphene on Si3N4 with 

High Electron Mobility 

Nanyang Technological Polarization and Electric Field 

University, Singapore Dependence of Electronic 

Properties in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 

heterostructures 

List of Kawazoe Poster Award winners. 

ACCMS Short Courses 

Following the tradition of previous ACCMS conferences, two one-day pre-conference short courses were organized 

on 6 Sept., 2011. These short courses were designed to provide a practical starting point of materials research using 

computational methods, and specifically to address two challenging issues in computational materials science, 

namely, simulating large systems such as nanostructures and achieving high accuracy. 

The short course program started with an introductory lecture by Prof. G. P. Das (Indian Assoc. for the Cultivation 

of Sci., Kolkata, India) who presented an overview of the density functional theory (DFT) and the different 

basis sets used viz., plane wave, spherical waves, atomic orbitals, muffin-tin orbitals, and mixed basis sets, leading 

to various state-of-the-art DFT- based packages. This set the stage for the two short courses, “Quantum Mechanics 

based Simulations of Real Materials: SCED-LCAO” and “Tohoku Mixed Basis Orbitals ab initio Program 

(TOMBO)”. 

In the SCED-LCAO short course, Profs. C. S. Jayanthi and M. Yu (Univ. of Louisville, Kentucky, USA) introduced 

the self-consistent and environment dependent (SCED) Hamiltonian developed in the framework of LCAO. 

This semiempirical method includes two-center as well as multi-center electron-ion interactions, on-site electronelectron 

correlations as well as inter-site electron-electron correlations. It is designed to address the size bottleneck 

of ab initio simulations as well as the issue of non-transferability of most of the existing semi-empirical Hamiltonians. 

Benchmarking calculations show that the SCED-LCAO-MD scheme is about 30 times faster than DFT-based 

VASP software and it requires about five times less memory. In addition, by implementing the order-N scheme into 

the framework of the SCED-LCAO Hamiltonian for total energy and force calculations, full geometry optimization 



can be performed for systems of sizes up to 20,000 atoms. Thus, reliable large-scale quantum-mechanics based 

MD simulations are now attainable using the O(N)/SCED-LCAO scheme. 

Participants of the short course had opportunities to experience the robustness of the SCED-LCAO Hamiltonian 

through selected case studies of carbon that included the C29 cluster, the bucky-diamond carbon, the (5,0) single 

wall carbon nanotube, and graphene. 

In the TOMBO short course, Prof. Kawazoe and his team from the Inst. of Mater. Res., Tohoku Univ., Japan, 

introduced the TOMBO program. Kawazoe Laboratory has been developing this first-principles simulation package 

in the last 15 years. It is based on the all-electron mixed basis approach in which electron wave functions 

are expressed by using both plane waves (PWs) and atomic orbitals (AOs). Since AOs are numerically defined 

inside the non-overlapping atomic spheres in radial (logarithmic) mesh, all-electron calculations with PWs can be 

performed very accurately with a modest computational cost. The number of PWs required in this method is significantly 

fewer than that required in standard pseudo-potential or PAW methods. Moreover, one can avoid problems 

such as the basis set superposition error (BSSE) appearing in standard LCAO methods and the over-completeness 

problem appearing in standard mixed-basis methods. TOMBO can describe extended PW-like states as well as 

localized core states with modest number of basis functions. It is applicable to various kinds of systems including 

atoms, molecules, clusters, surfaces, and crystals. Therefore, it has an apparent advantage compared to many 

pre-existing first-principles methods. 

During the hands-on sessions, participants had first-hand experience in the study of CH 4 molecule and hydrogen 

storage materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Another interesting application of TOMBO is to 

simulate electron dynamics of an electronic excited-state in materials. The time evolution of the electrons and holes 

in the electronic excited states can be treated by using TOMBO on the basis of the adiabatic local density approximation 

(adiabatic LDA) in the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) combined with the Ehrenfest 

theorem for the adiabatic process. As a very simple example, the possibility of dissociation of a hydrogen molecule 

around a nickel dimer was studied. 

Participants of ACCMS-6 Short Courses. 




page 156 


ACCMS Award 

Another highlight of ACCMS-6 was the presentation of the 2011 ACCMS award to Prof. Enge Wang, School 

of Phys., Peking Univ., China, at the conference banquet held in the evening of 8 September. The Award is to 

recognize scientists in Asia who have made outstanding contributions to computational materials science and to 

ACCMS. Since 2004, the Award has been presented at the ACCMS general meeting. Prof. Wang was recognized 

for his outstanding contributions to atomistic simulations of surface growth dynamics and the formation of nanostructures, 

and his support to ACCMS. 

Prof. Enge Wang received his Bachelor degree in theoretical physics from Liaoning Univ. (1982) and obtained 

his Ph.D. in condensed matter physics from Peking Univ. (1990). After spending several years at Princeton Univ., 

Inst. d’Electronique, de Microelectronique de Nanotechnologie (France), and Univ. of Houston, he started his 

academic career in 1995 as a professor at the Inst. of Phys., Chinese Acad. of Sci. (CAS). He was the Director of 

the Inst. of Phys., CAS, from 1999 to 2007. Currently, he is a Vice President and Provost at Peking Univ. Prof. Wang 

is the recipient of many prestigious awards including the HLHL Science and Technol. Award (2010), the Humboldt 

Res. Award (2005), the TWAS Award in Phys. (2005), the IBM Faculty Award (2003–2004), the Achievement in 

Asia Award (AAA) of the Overseas Chinese Phys. Assoc. (2002–2003), and “Zhou Pei-Yuan Physics Awards” 

(CPS, 2005). He was elected an Academician of the CAS in 2007 and the Academy of Sci. for the Developing 

World (TWAS) in 2008, and a Fellow of the American Phys. Soc. in 2006. Prof. Wang was the Chair of the third 

ACCMS general meeting which was held in Beijing in 2005. 

In his Award Lecture in the morning of 9 Sept., Prof. Wang presented his latest work on surface of ice. Using 

computer simulation, he and his team discovered unusual structure and dynamics of ice surface at atomic scale. An 

order parameter which defines the surface energy of ice Ih (hexagonal crystal form of ordinary ice) surfaces has 

been identified for the first time. They also predicted that the proton order-disorder transition, which occurs in the 

bulk at ∼72 K, will not occur at the surface at any temperature below surface melting. In addition, they found that 

vacancy formation on crystalline ice surface exhibits characteristics of an amorphous material, and the formation 

of vacancies facilitates pits on the surface and other processes that may contribute to pre-melting and formation of 

a quasi-liquid layer. Despite ice being a ubiquitous and well-studied substance, Prof. Wang’s work provides new 

insights to basic surface properties and structure of ice. 

Prof. Kawazoe (second from left) is presenting the ACCMS Award to Prof. Enge Wang (third from left) at the 

ACCMS-6 banquet on 8 Sept., 2011, with Prof. G. P. Das, citation reader (extreme left), and Prof. Yuan Ping Feng, 

Co-chair of ACCMS-6 (right), looking on. 



ACCMS-7 

At the International Advisory Committee meeting held on 8 Sept., it was decided that the next ACCMS conference, 

ACCMS-7, will be held in Thailand. Prof. Sukit Limpijumnong of Suranaree Univ. of Technol., will lead the 

organizing committee. Details of ACCMS-7 will be announced later. 

Prof. Sukit Limpijumnong, Chair of ACCMS-7, inviting participants to Thailand in 2013. 

ACCMS-6 web site 

More information about ACCMS-6 can be found at the conference web site: 

http://www.mrs.org.sg/accms6/ 

Forthcoming Conferences 

2 nd Molecular Materials Meeting (M3) @ Singapore 

Jan., 9–11, 2012, Singapore 

Organized by Singapore A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), in partnership with 

other A*STAR institutes, research organizations and industries, the event, themed around molecular materials, 

welcomes leading researchers in chemistry, materials science, physics, biology, medicine, engineering etc. with 

the intention of developing cross-disciplinary and collaborative research ideas on the following themes: 

1) Materials Synthesis, Assembly & Device Fabrication; 

2) Energy & Sustainable Materials; 

Conferences: Forthcoming 



page 158 


3) Optical & Electronic Materials; 

4) Materials for Imaging & Sensing 

Plenary Speakers: Prof. Ada Yonath (Israel); Prof. Kurt Wüthrich (Switzerland); Prof. Tobin J. Marks (USA); 

Prof. Christopher Murray (USA); Prof. Omar Yaghi (USA). 

Conference Chair: Andy Hor (IMRE); Abstract Submission: 15 Oct., 2011 

General Enquiries: m3conference@imre.a-star.edu.sg 

Website: http://www.imre.a-star.edu.sg/m3conference 

Frontiers in Electronic Materials: Correlation Effects and Memristive Phenomena 

June 17–20, 2012, Aachen, Germany 

The above Conference is organized by the Nature Publishing Group and Jlich- Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) 

and will be held in Germany. 

An emphasis will be placed on few invited keynote talks. In addition, there will be the opportunity for further 

academic exchange between participants during nanosessions, which integrate posters, brief oral presentations, 

and stimulating discussions in small groups. Discussion leaders for the nanosessions will be selected from the 

abstract submissions. 

Scientific Sessions 

• Session 1: Fundamentals and cross-disciplinary topics 

• Session 2: Electron correlation and unusual quantum effects 

• Session 3: Oxide heterostructures and interfaces 

• Session 4: Multiferroics, spintronics, ferroelectrics and flexoelectrics 

• Session 5: Memristive phenomena – phase-change materials and nanoionic redox systems 

• Session 6: Energy conversion – superionic conductors, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, artificial photosynthesis 

• Session 7: Information technology – chip architectures and computational concepts 

• Session 8: Nanotechnology – Atomic layer deposition, physical layer deposition, novel patterning techniques 

• Session 9: Advanced characterization – spectroscopy, scattering methods, microscopy, scanning probe methods 

Session 10: Theory and Modelling – model Hamiltonian, first principle methods, molecular dynamics, multiscale 

simulation 

More than 25 Invited Speakers are expected. The meeting will offer exhibiting as well as 

sponsorship opportunities. 

Contact–E-mail: fem2012@iwe.rwth-aachen.de 

Website: www.nature.com/natureconferences 

IUMRS-ICYRAM Conference, 

July, 1–6, 2012, Singapore 

The International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS)-International Conference of Young Researchers 

on Advanced Materials (ICYRAM) is organized by the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S) during 

1–6 July, 2012 in Singapore. 

The mission of ICYRAM is to provide a platform for researchers under the age of 40 to present technical findings 

of their research, to network within the international community of other young researchers, and to increase 

the breadth of their general materials-based knowledge. 



There will also be opportunities for young researchers to seek the insight and advice of successful senior 

researchers through plenary sessions and instructive seminars. 

Panel sessions will be held in both small and large settings, for focused and general discussions. The aim is 

to create an environment for interaction and the exchange of perspectives across a broad range of materials-related 

topics. 

Technical Program 

The Technical Program will emphasize materials falling under six general themes: 

(1) Biomaterials and Healthcare 

(2) Energy and the Environment 

(3) Electronic Materials 

(4) Optical Materials 

(5) Magnetic and Spintronic Materials 

(6) Carbon-based Materials 

Conference Highlights 

• Roughly equal time devoted to technical presentations, discussion, plenary and informative seminars 

• Plenary lectures by internationally renowned researchers 

• Seminars directed toward providing perspective and guidance on key aspects of early career development 

• Small-scale, focused panel discussions to conclude technical sessions, allowing young, leading researchers to 

actively engage international colleagues. 

• ICYRAM-wide panel discussions with both young and senior researchers focusing on subjects of importance to 

the entire materials community 

• Web-based social and scientific networking for conference participants to interact prior, during and after the 

conference 

• Inaugural Young Researcher Award to be presented 

• Poster sessions and poster awards 

• Social events 

Conf. Secretariat: Miss Eileen So, Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S), 

3, Research Link, #03-13, Singapore 117602. 

DID: (+65) 6874 1176; 

Email: eileenso@mrs.org.sg 

Conf. Website: www.mrs.org.sg/icyram2012 

IUMRS-ICA 2012 

Aug., 26-31, 2012, Busan, Korea 

The International Union of Materials Research Society – International Conference in Asia – 2012 (IUMRS-ICA- 

2012) will be held from August 26 to 31, 2012 at BEXCO in Busan, Korea. The IUMRS-ICA-2012 is a continuation 

in the series of the conferences among the Asian MRS Members including C-MRS, MRS-I, MRS-J, MRS-K, 

MRS-S and MRS-T, and this year’s conference is supported by the Material Research Society of Korea (MRS-K). 

The program of the IUMRS-ICA-2012 consists of 20 symposia under five broad categories: Electronic and 

Photonic Materials; Functional Materials; Advanced Structural Materials; Materials for Energy and Environmental; 

Modeling and Characterization. 




page 160 


Since the first Conference was commenced, this meeting has become a fundamental ground to exchange quality 

results and ideas provided by the researchers and scientists within the industry. Furthermore, it also provides a 

forum to present the cutting-edge research outputs for future collaborations which would help both students and 

researchers within their future research studies and works to be conducted. The individuals actively engaged in 

materials research and developments are encouraged to participate in the meeting and gain academic insights they 

have desired. 

Abstract deadline: March, 1, 2012. 

Conf. Chair: Bo-Young Hur (Gyeongsang National Univ., Korea) 

Website: www.iumrs-ica2012.org 

Multiscale Materials Modeling (MMM 2012) 

Oct., 15 to 19, 2012, Singapore 

The Multiscale Materials Modeling (MMM) conference series is the world’s largest theoretical and computational 

materials science forum which aims to disseminate the latest development in the field of multiscale materials 

modeling. 

MMM 2012 is organized jointly by the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S) and A*Star Institute 

of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Singapore. 

Our overriding motivation to host the 2012 edition of the MMM conference is to provide an international forum 

for the exchange and sharing of the recent advances in multiscale modeling and simulation of materials. Emphasis 

will be placed on new ideas in the form of novel theroies, refined mathematical modes, innovative simulation 

approaches and application of computation methodology to both traditional and emerging materials applications. 

Emphasis will be on the hierarchy of simulation techniques, coupling techniques from first principles to continuum 

models and methods that are multiscale in both / either space and time. 

The scientific environment in Singapore is vibrant, advanced and a priority for the highest level policy makers 

within Singapore. Furthermore, Singapore possesses excellent intellectual property rights and regulatory infrastructure, 

further adding to its exceptional environment for research and development. Hence, the 2012 edition of 

the MMM conference has been chosen to be held in Singapore. 

We are looking forward to welcoming you and your partners in Singapore. A series of interesting and fruitful 

plenary and invited talks have been in lined for all of you 

Co-chairs: David J. Srolovitz (IHPC) and B. V. R. Chowdari (MRS-S and NUS) 

Abstract Submission: 15 January, 2012 

Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 15 March, 2012 

Conference Registration & Payment (Early Bird): 15 July, 2012 

Conference Registration & Payment (Normal Rate): 1 Sept., 2012 

Contact: Ms. Eileen So, Project Executive, Materials Research Society of Singapore. 

Telephone: (+65) 6874 1176. 

Email: mmm2012@mrs.org.sg /eileenso@mrs.org.sg 

Conference Website: www.mrs.org.sg/mmm2012 



Materials Education & Research in Singapore 

There are two Universities and several Research Institutes in Singapore involved in teaching, 

research and development in the broad area of Materials Science, Engineering and Technology. 

These are listed below along with the Websites and provide information on the available courses 

and opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and post doctoral research. They also entertain 

queries regarding openings for Research Scientists and Faculty positions. 

National University of Singapore: www.nus.edu.sg 

Nanyang Technological University: www.ntu.edu.sg 

Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE): www.imre.a-star.edu.sg 

Institute of Microelectronics (IME): www.ime.a-star.edu.sg 

Data Storage Institute: www.dsi.a-star.edu.sg 

Institute of Chemical & Engineering Sciences: www.ices.a-star.edu.sg 

Institute of High Performance Computing: www.ihpc.a-star.edu.sg 

Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology: www.SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg 

Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN): www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg 

Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore: www.nyp.edu.sg 

Republic Polytechnic, Singapore: www.rp.edu.sg 

Materials Education & Research in Singapore 


Invitation 

page 162 


INVITATION 

MRS-S members are welcome to 

contribute to ‘MRS-S OUTLOOK’ 

• To suggest topics and prospective author(s) for ‘thematic’ articles pertaining to 

the areas of materials science, engineering and technology. These will be of 

general interest to the students, teachers as well as active researchers. These 

can be 10–15 pages (A4-size, single spaced) with figures, tables and select 

references. 

• To contribute reports on the recently held conferences and information on the 

forthcoming conferences. 

• To contribute ‘Highlights from Recent Literature’ in the areas of materials 

science, engineering and technology. These must pertain to the past two years, 

and be of general interest to non-specialists, students, teachers as well as 

active researchers. Each ‘Highlight’ must not exceed 250–300 words, including 

reference(s). Contributing author(s) and e-mail address(es) will be included 

under each ‘Highlight’. 

• To contribute information about the recent awards and distinctions conferred 

on the MRS-S members. 

• To contribute ‘Letters to the Editor’. They may be edited for brevity, clarity and 

available space, and the author(s) will be informed. 

Information on the above aspects may be communicated to the Editor: 

Dr. G.V. Subba Rao 

E-mail: phyvsg@nus.edu.sg 

The Editorial Board of ‘MRS-S OUTLOOK’ reserves the right to include or not any of the submitted contributions. 

Design & Typeset by Research Publishing Services 

E-mail:enquiries@rpsonline.com.sg

MRS-S OUTLOOK R eview A rticles

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