Plinio Innocenzi

This book offers an in-depth exploration of one of the fundamental particles that has shaped our understanding of the physical world and revolutionized technology, combining historical narrative with rigorous scientific analysis to provide a comprehensive account of the electron. Starting from the early atomic models of Democritus and Dalton, the book traces the journey through key experiments such as J.J. Thomson's discovery of the electron, Rutherford's model, and Bohr's contributions. It discusses how these foundational experiments and theories have paved the way for modern quantum mechanics. Each chapter looks at significant milestones, from the photoelectric effect and the discovery of electron spin to quantum tunneling and entanglement. The book also addresses the electron’s strange properties and its relatives, such as positrons, muons, and tau particles, providing a detailed examination of their roles in the broader context of quantum field theory. The author draws from original sources to ensure accuracy and authenticity, making this work a reliable reference for students and enthusiasts alike. The text is written in accessible language, carefully explaining complex concepts without overwhelming the reader with intricate mathematical formulations. With many illustrative figures, "What is an Electron?" serves as an essential resource for undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, and materials science, as well as for scientifically-curious readers eager to understand the profound implications of electron behavior in quantum mechanics and modern technology.

This book introduces the fascinating world of self-assembly in mesoporous ordered silica films. Beginning from a single droplet, it guides the reader, in a step-by-step learning process, how to obtain and control ordered porous mesophases in thin films by varying only the precursor chemistry and the process. It explains, in great detail, how order control is achieved through chemical design and post-deposition processing, the latter of which is a unique property in materials science. The book places a special focus on silica, whose particularly complex chemistry enables order control over a range of different length scales. This book is suitable for students and researchers in the fields of sol-gel or colloidal chemistry and interested in the topics of self-assembly and mesoporous phases.

This book introduces the fascinating world of self-assembly in mesoporous ordered silica films. Beginning from a single droplet, it guides the reader, in a step-by-step learning process, how to obtain and control ordered porous mesophases in thin films by varying only the precursor chemistry and the process. It explains, in great detail, how order control is achieved through chemical design and post-deposition processing, the latter of which is a unique property in materials science. The book places a special focus on silica, whose particularly complex chemistry enables order control over a range of different length scales. This book is suitable for students and researchers in the fields of sol-gel or colloidal chemistry and interested in the topics of self-assembly and mesoporous phases.

This book provides an in-depth introduction to the sol to gel transition in inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic systems, one of the most important chemical-physical transitions and the basis of the sol-gel process. Familiarity with the fundamental chemistry and physics of this transition is essential for students in chemistry and materials science through academic and industry researchers working on sol-gel-related applications. The book features a didactic approach, using simple and clear language to explain the sol to gel transition and the accompanying processes. The text is also suitable for use in short courses and workshops for graduate students as well as professionals.This fully revised and updated new edition contains a wealth of new content. In particular, it includes a detailed discussion of the chemistry of transition metal alkoxides and organosilanes, and an extended discussion of the sol to gel transition models.

This engaging book places Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific achievements within the wider context of the rapid development that occurred during the Renaissance. It demonstrates how his contributions were not in fact born of isolated genius, but rather part of a rich period of collective advancement in science and technology, which began at least 50 years prior to his birth.Readers will discover a very special moment in history, when creativity and imagination were changing the future—shaping our present. They will be amazed to discover how many technological inventions had already been conceived or even designed by the engineers and inventors who preceded Leonardo, such as Francesco di Giorgio and Taccola, the so-called Siena engineers. This engaging volume features a wealth of illustrations from a variety of original sources, such as manuscripts and codices, enabling the reader to see and judge for him or herself the influence that other Renaissance engineers and inventors hadon Leonardo.

This engaging book places Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific achievements within the wider context of the rapid development that occurred during the Renaissance. It demonstrates how his contributions were not in fact born of isolated genius, but rather part of a rich period of collective advancement in science and technology, which began at least 50 years prior to his birth.Readers will discover a very special moment in history, when creativity and imagination were changing the future—shaping our present. They will be amazed to discover how many technological inventions had already been conceived or even designed by the engineers and inventors who preceded Leonardo, such as Francesco di Giorgio and Taccola, the so-called Siena engineers. This engaging volume features a wealth of illustrations from a variety of original sources, such as manuscripts and codices, enabling the reader to see and judge for him or herself the influence that other Renaissance engineers and inventors hadon Leonardo.

The ability of nanostructures to organize into complex arrangements leads to unique materials with valuable applications. Self-assembly is therefore a key concept for nanotechnology, but it can be quite a complex and difficult subject to approach. Water Droplets to Nanotechnology gives a simple and general overview of the different self-assembly processes which are at the basis of recent developments in nanotechnology. The book shows how simple phenomenon from everyday examples can become sophisticated tools for self-assembly and the fabrication of nanomaterials. By exploring the coffee stain and tears of wine phenomena, the first part looks at how the evaporation of a droplet of colloidal solution can be used in designing organized structures. This leads onto more complex systems such as templated porous materials, photonic crystals, colloidal nanocrystals and quasi-crystals through to bottom-up systems for designing hierarchal materials. By taking the reader on a journey from everyday life to the secrets of nanotechnology, the book is suitable for a non-specialist audience interested in self-assembly as well as the wider perspectives and latest developments of nanoscience.