Author Description

Correlation in the production process, structure, and functions of the materials which are made by the structural control at atomic and molecular level are the main focus of the papers in this volume. Metals, semiconductors, ceramics, organic and polymer materials are reviewed from the view point of their common properties, thus constituting the functionality of materials in the field of materials science. Topics discussed range from theoretical studies on the relationship between microscopic and electronic structures and their macroscopic properties and functions, to the establishment of guiding principles for the control of the interface based on the interaction between fine particles and chemical bonding. A comprehensive selection of 114 articles describing the results of work carried out by the members of a project research program is presented in this volume. The objective of this research program was to promote the creation of novel functional materials at atomic or molecular level, on the nature of functionality materials, i.e., metals, semiconductors, ceramics, organic polymers, and their composites or hybridized materials. The aim of this book is to provide a global overview on the scientific and technological information which has been produced by this research project on the synthetic process and control of functionality materials. This volume, together with its companion volumes A and B, which focus on Optical and Quantum Structural Properties of Semiconductors and Synthesis and Function Control of Biofunctionality Materials respectively, will serve as a valuable asset to scientists in academic, governmental and industrial institutions, providing insights into newly developing research areas in functionality materials.