have also been restructured into shorter and more digestible chapters,
improving fluidity and organization. The second edition is arranged such
that it has a twofold use. On the one hand, it may be used as an introductory text, starting with the new unit on the fundamental physical
chemistry of nanosystems (Chapters 2–4) to provide a transition from
general chemistry/physics to more specialized material on synthesis,
characterization, and applications of nanomaterials. On other hand, it
may be used in advanced courses by starting with Chapter 5 and
transitioning to primary literature midway through the course. The new
material in the early chapters as well as more connections to terminology
more often used for solid materials are also intended to improve accessibility outside of chemistry departments.
Finally, this second edition is the result of an unusual long-term collaboration. Dr. Lewis Johnson, who joined the writing team for this edition,
was a student of Professor Johal at Pomona College in 2006–2007 while
the curriculum that led to the first edition of this text was being developed. After graduating, Dr. Johnson was drawn to the University of
Washington in part by the strong nanotechnology program, and continued to collaborate with Professor Johal, eventually returning to Pomona
College as a postdoctoral lecturer where he taught the nanomaterials
course in the chemistry department in 2013. Renewed collaboration and
discussion about the course led to the development of the present text.
Malkiat S. Johal
Lewis E. Johnson
xviii
Preface to the Second Edition
improving fluidity and organization. The second edition is arranged such
that it has a twofold use. On the one hand, it may be used as an introductory text, starting with the new unit on the fundamental physical
chemistry of nanosystems (Chapters 2–4) to provide a transition from
general chemistry/physics to more specialized material on synthesis,
characterization, and applications of nanomaterials. On other hand, it
may be used in advanced courses by starting with Chapter 5 and
transitioning to primary literature midway through the course. The new
material in the early chapters as well as more connections to terminology
more often used for solid materials are also intended to improve accessibility outside of chemistry departments.
Finally, this second edition is the result of an unusual long-term collaboration. Dr. Lewis Johnson, who joined the writing team for this edition,
was a student of Professor Johal at Pomona College in 2006–2007 while
the curriculum that led to the first edition of this text was being developed. After graduating, Dr. Johnson was drawn to the University of
Washington in part by the strong nanotechnology program, and continued to collaborate with Professor Johal, eventually returning to Pomona
College as a postdoctoral lecturer where he taught the nanomaterials
course in the chemistry department in 2013. Renewed collaboration and
discussion about the course led to the development of the present text.
Malkiat S. Johal
Lewis E. Johnson
xviii
Preface to the Second Edition