Molecular Devices and Machines: A Journey into the Nanoworld [Hardcover]

Vincenzo Balzani (Author), Margherita Venturi (Author), Alberto Credi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2003 | ISBN-10: 3527305068 | ISBN-13: 978-3527305063 | Edition: 1

The miniaturization of bulky devices and machines is a process that confronts us on a daily basis. However, nanoscale machines with varied and novel characteristics may also result from the enlargement of extremely small building blocks, namely individual molecules. This bottom-up approach to nanotechnology is already being pursued in information technology, with many other branches about to follow.

• Written by a team of experienced authors headed by Vincenzo Balzani, one of the pioneers in the development of molecular machines
• Covers such diverse aspects as sensors, memory components, solar energy conversion, biomolecules as molecular machines, and much more
• Presented in a lucid style and didactically structured, with both the expert and the newcomer in mind
• Includes a glossary of terms and numerous references to the recent literature

Be among the first to explore the fascinating possibilities of this future-oriented technology! A must-have for every chemist and materials scientist with an interest in nanotechnology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"…this inexpensive, attractively produced volume offers much, either for browsers seeking to acquaint themselves with a new field or for experts seeking a different perspective." (Journal of the American Chemical Society, August 18, 2004)

"For these and many others, this wonderful book is a must and motivation at the same time." (Angewandte Chemie Int.)

From the Back Cover

The miniaturization of bulky devices and machines is a process that confronts us on a daily basis. However, nanoscale machines with varied and novel characteristics may also result from the enlargement of extremely small building blocks, namely individual molecules. This bottom-up approach to nanotechnology is already being pursued in information technology, with many other branches about to follow.

• Written by a team of experienced authors headed by Vincenzo Balzani, one of the pioneers in the development of molecular machines
• Covers such diverse aspects as sensors, memory components, solar energy conversion, biomolecules as molecular machines, and much more
• Presented in a lucid style and didactically structured, with both the expert and the newcomer in mind
• Includes a glossary of terms and numerous references to the recent literature

Be among the first to explore the fascinating possibilities of this future-oriented technology! A must-have for every chemist and materials scientist with an interest in nanotechnology.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 511 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH; 1 edition (April 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3527305068
• ISBN-13: 978-3527305063
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,067,534 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chemists' approach to Nanotechnology, October 27, 2003

By 

Pichierri Fabio (Japan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Molecular Devices and Machines: A Journey into the Nanoworld (Hardcover)

Different paths toward nanotechnology have so far been proposed. The most common and widely publicized one is the so-called atom-by-atom approach envisaged by physichists. Chemists, on the other hand, have adopted a molecule-by-molecule approach whereby the molecule represents the key building block for constructing nano-objects. Among the various reasons for doing so, we remember that (1) a lot of information about the structural, electronic, and spectroscopic properties of polyatomic molecules has been so far accumulated by research chemists and (2) synthetic chemistry allows the precise, although very elaborated, positioning of groups within a certain molecular framework thereby allowing the constuction of complex molecules characterized by machine-like capabilities. A number of fashinating molecular-scale machines and devices (rotors, gears, turnstiles, brakes, gyroscanes, etc.) has already been realized, as discussed in detail by Balzani-Venturi-Credi (BVC) in Chapter 11 of their book. These molecules give rise to spontaneous machanical-like motion. However, a factor of paramount importance for nanotechnology is that of achieving controllable mechanical-like motion. BVC discuss how this can be achieved by, for example, electrochemical or photochemical means. Chapter 9 is of particular interest for those working in the field of molecular electronics since it discusses about "Logic Gates", i.e. molecules that might (will) be employed as molecular switches in future chemical (or molecular) computers. The amazing thing of this book is that all the material contained in it is real stuff, not pure speculation! You can verify this by checking the original references given at the end of each chapter. Hence, chemists are following an original approach to nanotechnology and the key for success will probably depend on whether they will find a clever way for wiring-up (networking) their molecules and make them (i.e., the resulting nano-object) work in concert. All in all this book (made of 16 chapters, about 500 pp., dozens of clear drawings and figures) is masterly written and logically organized. I cannot but rate it with 5 stars and a plus. If you want to know how chemists are approaching the field of nanotechnology, it should be in your bookshelf.