Physical Chemistry of Surfaces, 6th Edition (Hardcover)

by Arthur W. Adamson (Author), Alice P. Gast (Author) "The topic of capillarity concerns interfaces that are sufficiently mobile to assume an equilibrium shape..." (more)
Key Phrases: monolayer point, classic nucleation theory, characteristic isotherm, Colloid Interface Sci, New York, Faraday Trans (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Should be on every surface chemist's reading list." -Spectroscopy (on the Fifth Edition)

Bridging the methodologies of "wet" and "dry" surface chemistry to present surface chemistry as a single broad field, Physical Chemistry of Surfaces, Sixth Edition retains its position as the standard work of surface science. This heavily revised and updated edition provides thorough coverage for students and professionals. New features of the Sixth Edition include:
* Expanded treatment of films at the liquid-air and liquid-solid interfaces, with contemporary techniques and macromolecular films
* Techniques for tunneling and atomic force scanning microscopes
* In-depth coverage of heterogeneous catalysis, including the case of CO on metals
* Increased emphasis on the flexible surface and restructuring of surfaces when adsorption occurs
* A new chapter on macromolecular films

The book begins with the basics of the physical chemistry of liquid-gas and liquid-solid interfaces, including electro-chemistry, long-range forces, and the various methods of spectroscopic and structural study of surfaces. These are followed by descriptive treatments of topics such as friction, lubrication, adhesion and emulsion, foams, and aerosols. Closing chapters present a quantitative approach to physical and chemical adsorption of vapors and gases as well as heterogeneous catalysis.

For senior-level undergraduates and graduate students, each chapter presents the basic surface chemistry of the topics with full derivations, end-of-chapter problems, and reviews of recent advances. This book is also an excellent reference for professional chemists interested in applying surface chemistry to their work.

From the Publisher
The book begins with the basics of the physical chemistry of liquid-gas and liquid-solid interfaces, including electro-chemistry, long-range forces, and the various methods of spectroscopic and structural study of surfaces. These are followed by descriptive treatments of topics such as friction, lubrication, adhesion and emulsion, foams, and aerosols. Closing chapters present a quantitative approach to physical and chemical adsorption of vapors and gases as well as heterogeneous catalysis.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 808 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 6 edition (August 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471148733
• ISBN-13: 978-0471148739
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #665,364 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The new edition is a lot worse than the earlier editions, May 27, 1999

By A Customer

I have found the book very difficult to follow. The book reads more like a research paper than a textbook, in both style and content (for example, there are too many references, most of which are completely unnecesary). Many symbols are left undefined. There are many gaps in the derivations. Many concepts (e.g. the Maragoni effect) are introduced out of proper context. I would not recommend it to anybody. Get an earlier edition if you can.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Good in Some Respects, Disappointing in Others, August 29, 1998

By A Customer

The latest edition of this wellknown book continues its past tradition in every respect. Although claimed to be a textbook, it is best as a source of references and a compendium of advances in physical chemistry of surfaces. Certain chapters (e.g., surface tension) are good enough for use in classroom, but others are very superficial and very disappointing. It is clear that neither the senior author nor the new one is an expert in most of the topics covered in the book. It appears that they have simply collected references from the literature (quite indiscriminately in many cases) and have attempted to summarize the results. It is still a good book to have, especially since no one else has bothered to write a fairly comprehensive book on the topic. For those interested in the 'dry' side of surface science, Somarjai's volume is superior to this one.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Physical Chemistry of Surfaces, November 12, 2001

By A Customer

I used this book as a text in my class 'Physical Chemistry of Liquids, Interfaces, and Colloids'. This book is not a textbook. My students are complaining all the time about the presentation of topics as well as the extent of derivations, interpretations, and lack of examples. I must admit that I have made a mistake for choosing this text for my course. If you are planing to use it as a text, please go through a few of the derivations and you will notice that the book offers very little to a student.