Chemistry in Motion (PDF)

Change and motion define and constantly reshape the world around
us, on scales from the molecular to the global. In particular, the
subtle interplay between chemical reactions and molecular transport
gives rise to an astounding richness of natural phenomena, and
often manifests itself in the emergence of intricate spatial or
temporal patterns. The underlying theme of this book is that by
"setting chemistry in motion" in a proper way, it is
not only possible to discover a variety of new phenomena, in which
chemical reactions are coupled with diffusion, but also to build
micro-/nanoarchitectures and systems of practical importance.
Although reaction and diffusion (RD) processes are essential for
the functioning of biological systems, there have been only a few
examples of their application in modern micro- and nanotechnology.
Part of the problem has been that RD phenomena are hard to bring
under experimental control, especially when the system's
dimensions are small. Ultimately this book will guide the reader
through all the aspects of these systems - from understanding
the basics to practical hints and then to applications and
interpretation of results.

Topics covered include:

* An overview and outlook of both biological and man-made
reaction-diffusion systems.

* The fundamentals and mathematics of diffusion and chemical
reactions.

* Reaction-diffusion equations and the methods of solving
them.

* Spatial control of reaction-diffusion at small scales.

* Micro- and nanofabrication by reaction-diffusion.

* Chemical clocks and periodic precipitation structures.

* Reaction-diffusion in soft materials and at solid
interfaces.

* Microstructuring of solids using RD.

* Reaction-diffusion for chemical amplification and sensing.

* RD in three dimensions and at the nanoscale, including
nanosynthesis.

This book is aimed at all those who are interested in chemical
processes at small scales, especially physical chemists, chemical
engineers, and material scientists. The book can also be used for
one-semester, graduate elective courses in chemical engineering,
materials science, or chemistry classes.