Toward Functional Nanomaterials : Springer : 9780387777160 : 0387777164 : 29 Jun 2009 : Advanced probes and new fabrication techniques enable nanomaterials to pervade multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, engineering and biology. Na- materials have been extensively investigated with various kinds of morphologies (nanoparticles, nanowhiskers, nanorods, nanowires, nanoclusters, quantum dots, etc. ) and compositions (semiconductor, metal, polymer, etc. ). Impressive progress has been made on directed assembly and synthesis, structure, and property ch- acterization, as well as nanoscale device concepts and performance by a diverse group of experts. However, in spite of continued advancements in various aspects of functional nanomaterials, numerous challenges must still be overcome at different stages for practical applications to be realized. It seems that there is a need for a book in which individual research groups comprehensively review their up-to-date efforts and simula