Thin films play an important role in our daily lives. Their applications include in nanomedicine, cell phones, solar cell-powered devices, and protection of structural materials. This book offers an insight into the major uses of thin films and coatings, with particular focus on their internal structure. It provides a timely resource for researchers to refer to and for newcomers to learn from. The book presents an overview of the synthesis and characterization of thin films, and their nanocomposites. Both vapour phase and liquid phase approaches are discussed, with a focus on methods sufficiently attractive for large-scale production. Advanced characterization methods are also discussed. Examples of applications in clean energy, sensors, biomedicine, anticorrosion and surface modification are included.

This resource fills a critical gap in understanding the fundamentals behind the design and tailoring of nanostructured thin films. It is an important research reference for all those seeking an informed overview of how thin films are structured and applied. Shows how thin films are being used to create more efficient devices in the fields of medicine and energy harvesting Discusses how to alter the design of nanostructured thin films by vapor phase and liquid phase methods Explores how modifying the structure of thin films for specific applications enhances their performance.