Critical Reviews in Solid State and Materials Sciences 

About: Critical Reviews in Solid State and Materials Sciences is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Thin film & Semiconductor. It has an ISSN identifier of 0161-1593. Over the lifetime, 527 publications have been published receiving 33336 citations. The journal is also known as: Critical reviews in solid state & materials sciences & Chemical Rubber Company critical reviews in solid state and materials sciences.

Synthesis of Graphene and Its Applications: A Review

Abstract: Graphene, one-atom-thick planar sheet of carbon atoms densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice, has grabbed appreciable attention due to its exceptional electronic and optoelectronic properties. The reported properties and applications of this two-dimensional form of carbon structure have opened up new opportunities for the future devices and systems. Although graphene is known as one of the best electronic materials, synthesizing single sheet of graphene has been less explored. This review article aims to present an overview of the advancement of research in graphene, in the area of synthesis, properties and applications, such as field emission, sensors, electronics, and energy. Wherever applicable, the limitations of present knowledgebase and future research directions have also been highlighted.

Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles for Abatement of Environmental Pollutants: Materials and Engineering Aspects

Abstract: Zero-valent iron nanoparticle technology is becoming an increasingly popular choice for treatment of hazardous and toxic wastes, and for remediation of contaminated sites. In the U.S. alone, more than 20 projects have been completed since 2001. More are planned or ongoing in North America, Europe, and Asia. The diminutive size of the iron nanoparticles helps to foster effective subsurface dispersion whereas their large specific surface area corresponds to enhanced reactivity for rapid contaminant transformation. Recent innovations in nanoparticle synthesis and production have resulted in substantial cost reductions and increased availability of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) for large scale applications. In this work, methods of nZVI synthesis and characterization are highlighted. Applications of nZVI for treatment of both organic and inorganic contaminants are reviewed. Key issues related to field applications such as fate/transport and potential environmental impact are also explored.

Oxide Materials for Development of Integrated Gas Sensors—A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: In the recent past a great deal of research efforts were directed toward the development of miniaturized gas-sensing devices, particularly for toxic gas detection and for pollution monitoring. Though various techniques are available for gas detection, solid state metal oxides offer a wide spectrum of materials and their sensitivities for different gaseous species, making it a better choice over other options. In this article a critical parameter analysis of different metal oxides that are known to be sensitive to various gaseous species are thoroughly examined. This includes phase of the oxide, sensing gaseous species, operating temperature range, and physical form of the material for the development of integrated gas sensors. The oxides that are covered in this study include oxides of aluminum, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, indium, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, ruthenium, tantalum, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zinc, zirconium, and the mixed or...

Nanodiamond Particles: Properties and Perspectives for Bioapplications

Abstract: Nanodiamonds (NDs) are members of the diverse structural family of nanocarbons that includes many varieties based on synthesis conditions, post-synthesis processes, and modifications. First studied in detail beginning in the 1960s in Russia, NDs have now gained world-wide attention due to their inexpensive large-scale synthesis based on the detonation of carbon-containing explosives, small primary particle size (∼ 4 to 5 nm) with narrow size distribution, facile surface functionalization including bio-conjugation, as well as high biocompatibility. It is anticipated that the attractive properties of NDs will be exploited for the development of therapeutic agents for diagnostic probes, delivery vehicles, gene therapy, anti-viral and anti-bacterial treatments, tissue scaffolds, and novel medical devices such as nanorobots. Additionally, biotechnology applications have shown the prospective use of NDs for bioanalytical purposes, such as protein purification or fluorescent biolabeling. This review critically e...

Intrinsic stress in sputter-deposited thin films

Abstract: A review of the sputtered film stress literature shows that the intrinsic stress can be tensile or compressive depending on the energetics of the deposition process. Modeling studies of film growth and extensive experimental evidence show a direct link between the energetics of the deposition process and film microstructure, which in turn determines the nature and magnitude of the stress. The fundamental quantities are the particle flux and energy striking the condensing film, which are a function of many process parameters such as pressure (discharge voltage), target/sputtering gas mass ratio, cathode shape, bias voltage, and substrate orientation. Tensile stress is generally observed in zone 1-type, porous films and is explained in terms of the grain boundary relaxation model, whereas compressive stress, observed in zone T-type, dense films, is interpreted in terms of the atomic peening mechanism. Modeling of the atomic peening mechanism and experimental data indicate that the normalized moment...