Preface: phys. stat. sol. (c) 5/11

Abstract

AbstractThe formation of thin films and nanostructures with unique properties on solid surfaces can be achieved from solutions by chemical or electrochemical routes. These processes named chemical bath deposition, chemical solution deposition, liquid phase impregnation, hydrothermal growth, electrodeposition, and anodic oxidation are based on a common conceptual ground of interfacial reactions at the solid–solution interface. The materials can be semiconductors, oxides, metals, hybrids or nanocomposites in the form of thin films, porous networks, nanorods or nanotubes arrays, grown directly by self‐organization mechanisms or inside templates like porous membranes. In recent years we have followed a remarkable development of these synthesis approaches seeking for advanced applications in electronics, photovoltaics, lasing, sensors, photocatalysis, magnetism, batteries etc.The general objective of the symposium was “Chemical and Electrochemical Synthesis of Advanced Materials and Nanostructures on Solid Surfaces: Growth Mechanisms, Characterizations and Applications”. It was held at the E‐MRS Fall Meeting in Warsaw from 17 to 21 September 2007. The aim of the symposium was to promote exchange between researchers in this field for:(i) improving a common understanding of the growth mechanisms involved in the formation pro‐ cesses, from the molecular to the final structure level, involving interfacial chemical or electrochemical reactions, the influence of solution composition including additives, and the effect of external parameters like illumination,(ii) the advanced characterization and optimization of the properties of the films or nanostructures in relation to the formation conditions,(iii) advanced applications in forefront technologies,(iv) theory and modelling.The present issue assembles papers which were presented during the symposium reflecting such developments, in particular in the field of chalcogenide materials, oxide nanostructures based on electrodeposited ZnO, porous semiconductors prepared by anodic oxidation, metal electrodeposition, and hybrid organic–inorganic materials. They give a general view of some of these recent advances and we hope that they will benefit the readers interested to enter this domain of increasing importance. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)