Characterization of Nanophase Materials

This contribution is a preprint of one chapter of Professor Wang's edited new book “Characterization of Nanophase Materials” (ISBN 3–527–29837–1), published by WILEY–VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Germany. Engineering of nanophase materials and devices is of vital interest in electronics, semiconductors and optics, catalysis, ceramics and magnetism. Development of nanotechnology involves several steps, of which characterization of nanoparticles is indespensable in understanding the behavior and properties of nanoparticles, aiming at implementing nanotechnology, controlling their behavior and designing new nanomaterials systems with super performance. The book focuses on structural and property characterization of nanocrystals and their assemblies, with an emphasis on basic physical approach, detailed techniques, data interpretation and applications. Intended as a comprehensive reference work for postgraduate students and researchers in the field who are specialized in materials chemistry, materials physics, and materials science.