Nanomaterials and Thin Films

Nanomaterials and Thin Films is a specialized area of materials engineering focused on the design, synthesis, and application of materials with at least one dimension at the nanoscale (typically 1-100 nanometers). At this scale, materials exhibit unique quantum, optical, electronic, and mechanical properties that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts, enabling the creation of advanced technologies. This field involves manipulating matter at the atomic level to produce structures like nanoparticles, nanotubes, and ultra-thin coatings, which are integral to innovations in electronics, energy storage, biomedical devices, and high-performance coatings.

1. Introduction to the Nanoscale
   1. Defining Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
      1. Size Regimes and Nanoscale Definition
      2. Distinction from Micro- and Bulk Materials
      3. Key Features of Nanomaterials
   2. Historical Perspective and Milestones
      1. Early Concepts and Theoretical Foundations
      2. Key Discoveries and Breakthroughs
      3. Nobel Prizes and Major Awards
      4. Evolution of Nanotechnology as a Field
   3. Classification of Nanomaterials by Dimensionality
      1. Zero-Dimensional (0D) Nanomaterials
         1. Nanoparticles
            1. Metal Nanoparticles
            2. Semiconductor Nanoparticles
            3. Polymeric Nanoparticles
            4. Ceramic Nanoparticles
         2. Quantum Dots
            1. Core-Shell Quantum Dots
            2. Colloidal Quantum Dots
            3. Epitaxial Quantum Dots
         3. Fullerenes
            1. C60 and Higher Fullerenes
            2. Endohedral Fullerenes
      2. One-Dimensional (1D) Nanomaterials
         1. Nanotubes
            1. Carbon Nanotubes
               1. Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
               2. Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
            2. Inorganic Nanotubes
               1. Boron Nitride Nanotubes
               2. Metal Oxide Nanotubes
         2. Nanowires
            1. Metal Nanowires
            2. Semiconductor Nanowires
            3. Oxide Nanowires
         3. Nanorods
            1. Synthesis Methods
            2. Aspect Ratio Control
         4. Nanofibers
            1. Electrospun Nanofibers
            2. Template-Synthesized Nanofibers
      3. Two-Dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials
         1. Graphene and Derivatives
            1. Pristine Graphene
            2. Graphene Oxide
            3. Reduced Graphene Oxide
            4. Functionalized Graphene
         2. Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
            1. MoS2
            2. WS2
            3. WSe2
            4. MoSe2
         3. Other 2D Materials
            1. Hexagonal Boron Nitride
            2. Phosphorene
            3. MXenes
         4. Nanosheets
            1. Exfoliation Techniques
            2. Layer Control
      4. Three-Dimensional (3D) Nanomaterials
         1. Nanocomposites
            1. Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites
            2. Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
            3. Ceramic Matrix Nanocomposites
         2. Nanoporous Materials
            1. Zeolites
            2. Metal-Organic Frameworks
            3. Mesoporous Silica
         3. Nanocrystalline Materials
            1. Grain Size Effects
            2. Grain Boundary Engineering
   4. Introduction to Thin Films
      1. Definition and Thickness Regimes
         1. Monolayers
         2. Ultrathin Films
         3. Thin Films
         4. Thick Films
      2. Distinction from Bulk Materials and Nanomaterials
         1. Dimensionality and Confinement Effects
         2. Interface and Surface Effects
         3. Substrate Influence