Ideas in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences / Advances in Nanotechnology, Materials and Devices

Preface PART I: Preparation of New Materials and Nanomaterials SELF-ASSEMBLING CYCLIC PEPTIDE-BASED NANOMATERIALS Introduction Types of Self-Assembling Cyclic Peptide Nanotubes Applications of Cyclic Peptide Nanotubes Nanotubular Assemblies from Cyclic Alpha, Gamma-Peptides Summary and Outlook DESIGNER NANOMATERIALS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ENERGY AND HIGH VALUE-ADDED CHEMICALS Introduction State of the Art in the Preparation of Designer Nanomaterials for the Production of Energy and Chemicals Highlights of Own Research Future Prospects Conclusions SUPRAMOLECULAR RECEPTORS FOR FULLERENES Introduction Classic Receptors for Fullerenes Based on Curved Recognizing Units Receptors for Fullerenes Based on Planar Recognizing Concave Receptors for Fullerenes Concave Electroactive Receptors for Fullerenes Conclusions and Future Perspectives CLICK CHEMISTRY: A QUOTE FOR FUNCTION Introduction New Applications in Materials Synthesis Perspective SUPRAMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS AND SMART MATERIALS: C-X ... X'-M HALOGEN BONDS AND GAS SORPTION IN MOLECULAR SOLIDS Introduction Interactions Involving Halogens: Nucleophiles Versus Electrophiles Combining Complementary Environments: C-X ... X'-M Halogen Bonds Smart Materials for Gas Sorption Conclusions PART II: Innovative Characterization Methods APPLICATION OF ADVANCED SOLID-STATE NMR TECHNIQUES TO THE CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOMATERIALS: A FOCUS ON INTERFACES AND STRUCTURE Introduction Solid-State NMR Tools Nanocarbons Nanoparticles Quantum Dots Self-Assembly Mesostructured Materials Study of Interfaces and Structure by Solid State NMR Conclusions NEW TOOLS FOR STRUCTURE ELUCIDATION IN THE GAS PHASE: IR SPECTROSCOPY OF BARE AND DOPED SILICON NANOPARTICLES Introduction Methods for Structural Investigation of Silicon Clusters Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation Spectroscopy IR-Spectroscopy on Bare Silicon Cluster Cations Chemical Probe Method for Endo- and Exohedrally Doped Silicon Clusters IR-Spectroscopy on Exohedrally Doped Silicon

Bruno Pignataro, born in Bologna in 1972, is Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Palermo. He received his degree in chemistry in 1995 from the University of Catania and his PhD in materials science five years later. He has helped establish a wide network of international collaborations and organized more than 10 meetings at national and international level, including coordinating the Young Chemists Group of the Italian Chemical Society and chairing the first editions of the European Young Chemist Award. He is a referee for several leading chemistry and materials journals, has more than 70 scientific publications and some 90 conference communications to his name, along with several invited lectures. Professor Pignataro's research interests focus on the related fields of the physical chemistry of molecular surfaces and soft nanotechnologies.