Microwave Chemistry for Functional Nanomaterials
Introduction
This book presents an in-depth examination of microwave chemistry and its application in the synthesis of functional nanomaterials. Part I provides an overview of functional nanomaterials, underscoring their significance and the inherent challenges posed by conventional synthetic strategies. It highlights the emergence of microwave-assisted synthesis as a game-changing methodology, poised to address these challenges. Part II systematically explores the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementations of microwave–matter interactions, delving into various microwave-assisted methodologies, such as solvothermal, exfoliation, combustion, and plasma-driven techniques. This section emphasizes the fundamental principles, operational mechanisms, and the strengths and limitations inherent in each approach. Part III focuses on the structure–function relationships of microwave-synthesized nanomaterials, elucidating the influence of microwave fields on nucleation, growth kinetics, and defect engineering. It further explores how microwave-induced tailoring of material structure enhances functional properties, such as electrical, optical, and catalytic performance. Detailed case studies highlight the application of microwave chemistry in the fabrication of carbon-based materials, transition metal compounds, and hybrid organic–inorganic systems. Part IV looks forward to the future trajectory of microwave-assisted synthesis, addressing the challenges associated with industrial-scale implementation, reactor design, and the coupling of microwave chemistry with emerging technologies such as data science and machine learning. It also examines the potential for integrating microwave chemistry with sustainable practices in diverse sectors, from environmental remediation to advanced materials design.
978-1-78521-462-2
Part I. Fundamentals of Microwave Chemistry and Nanomaterials
1. Introduction to Functional Nanomaterials and Microwave Synthesis
1.1 Definition and Significance of Functional Nanomaterials
1.2 Challenges in Conventional Synthetic Strategies
1.3 Emergence and Promise of Microwave-Assisted Chemistry
1.4 Scope and Objectives of This Book
2. Microwave–Matter Interactions: Theory and Physical Models
2.1 Electromagnetic Foundations: Maxwell’s Equations in Material Media
2.2 Dielectric Properties, Magnetic Permeability, and Polarization Mechanisms
2.3 Penetration Depth, Skin Effect, and Frequency–Field Relationships
2.4 Power Dissipation and Material Heating Rate Models
2.5 Plasma–Microwave Interaction and Electron Kinetics
2.6 Non-Thermal Effects: Selective Heating and Energy Barrier Modulation
3. Heating Mechanisms in Microwave Chemistry
3.1 Dipolar Polarization and Ionic Conduction Heating
3.2 Conduction Loss and Skin Depth in Metals
3.3 Magnetic Losses: Hysteresis, Domain Wall, and Eddy Current Effects
3.4 Comparative Analysis of Microwave vs. Conventional Heating
3.5 Hot Spots, Superheating, and Field Focusing Phenomena
References
Part II. Microwave Methodologies for Nanomaterial Synthesis
4. Classification and Characteristics of Microwave Strategies
4.1 Overview of Microwave-Assisted Synthesis Methods
4.2 Methodological Comparison: Thermal vs. Non-Thermal Microwave Routes
4.3 Opportunities and Limitations in Equipment Design and Reaction Control
5. Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis
5.1 Aqueous Solvent Systems: Kinetics, Nucleation, and Growth
5.2 Organic Solvent Systems: Solvent–Field Interactions and Heat Transfer
5.3 Reaction Engineering: Pressure Control, Surfactants, and Ligands
6. Microwave-Assisted Exfoliation of Layered Materials
6.1 Liquid-Phase Exfoliation Mechanisms and Process Kinetics
6.2 Solid-State Microwave Exfoliation Strategies
6.3 π–π Interactions and Charge Redistribution in Graphitic Systems
7. Microwave-Induced Combustion, Joule Heating, and Shock Methods
7.1 Thermochemical Initiation via Localized Field Intensification
7.2 Joule–Microwave Hybrid Effects in Conductive Systems
7.3 Microwave Thermal Shock: Phase Transitions and Vacancy Control
8. Microwave Plasma Discharge for Material Processing
8.1 Generation and Regulation of Microwave Plasma States
8.2 Electron Cyclotron Resonance and Field–Particle Coupling
8.3 Gas-Phase and Liquid-Phase Discharge
9. Advanced Microwave-Integrated Methods
9.1 Microwave-Assisted Molten Salt Synthesis
9.2 Microwave-Induced Catalysis and Surface Activation
9.3 Microwave Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
9.4 Emerging Hybrid Strategies and In Situ Programmable Heating
References
Part III. Structure–Function Relationship and Application Insights
10. Nucleation and Growth Mechanisms under Microwave Conditions
10.1 Classical vs. Non-Classical Nucleation Theory Revisited
10.2 Growth Kinetics in Anisotropic Nanostructures
10.3 Role of Microwave Field Modulation in Defect Engineering
11. Structural and Morphological Control
11.1 Crystal Phase Selection via Microwave Intensity Tuning
11.2 Surface Energy and Crystallinity under Field-Stimulated Dynamics
11.3 Morphology Control: From 0D to 3D Architectures
12. Functional Properties and Microwave-Structure Coupling
12.1 Electrical, Optical, and Magnetic Properties Tailored via Microwave Fields
12.2 Catalytic and Photocatalytic Activity Enhancement Mechanisms
12.3 Structural Color, Porosity, and Energy Conversion Pathways
13. Case Studies in Microwave-Fabricated Materials
13.1 Carbon-Based Materials: CNTs, Graphene, and Porous Carbons
13.2 Transition Metal Compounds
13.3 MOFs, Zeolites, and Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Systems
References
Part IV. Future Directions and Research Outlook
14. Challenges in Industrial Scale-Up and Equipment Design
14.1 Field Uniformity, Reactor Configuration, and Thermal Runaway Risks
14.2 Cost–Benefit Analysis and TEA/LCA Evaluations
14.3 In-Situ Characterization and Real-Time Feedback Systems
15. Coupling Microwave Chemistry with Data Science
15.1 Digital Twin Development for Microwave Systems
15.2 Machine Learning-Guided Synthesis Pathways
15.3 Multi-Scale Simulation of Microwave–Matter Interactions
16. Prospects for Interdisciplinary Integration and Sustainable Development
16.1 Microwave Chemistry in Environmental Remediation
16.2 Biomedical, Aerospace, and Energy Applications
References
Author(s) Information
Dr. Jun WAN is a distinguished Professor at Wuhan Textile University, where he serves as the Assistant to the Dean of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the Deputy Director of the Department of Applied Chemistry. He is recognized as a high-level talent in Hubei Province and a recipient of the Wuhan Youth Science and Technology Program. Dr. WAN graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). He then pursued direct doctoral studies in Physical Electronics at the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics at HUST, followed by a postdoctoral position in Optical Engineering at the same institution. Additionally, Dr. WAN was a visiting scholar at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore for one year, funded by a national scholarship. Currently, Dr. WAN is a core member of the team led by Academician Weilin XU at the National Key Laboratory of Textile Materials and Advanced Processing. His research focuses on clean energy and functional fiber materials, with a particular expertise in microwave technology and aerospace thermal management. Dr. WAN has successfully led more than 10 research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, Hubei Provincial Department of Education youth talent project, State Key Laboratory Fund, and industry collaboration projects. He has published over 50 academic papers in prestigious journals such as One Earth, Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental and Energy, Nano Energy, Chinese Journal of Catalysis, Journal of Energy Chemistry, Applied Physics Reviews, Advanced Functional Materials, and Carbohydrate Polymers. Dr. WAN has also been granted multiple Chinese invention patents. He serves as a guest editor for journals such as Polymers and is a member of the Materials Expert Committee of the Viser Expert Database in Singapore. Furthermore, he contributes as a project reviewer for key municipal R&D programs. Dr. WAN's remarkable achievements have earned him numerous awards, including the Young Scientist Award, Advanced Young Worker in Chemical Engineering and Technology of Hubei Province, the Youth May Fourth Medal, Research Model, and Excellent Graduate Mentor accolades. His research and leadership in interdisciplinary fields continue to have a profound impact on both academic and industrial applications.
