Electrical Engineering Materials

Research in electronic materials and its application in electrical engineering is rapidly progressing as it could pave way for advancements in electronics, optics, biotechnology, green energy generation as well as in medical diagnosis. In order to develop novel electronic materials and devices, it is pertinent to understand the underlying physics of these materials and devices at the micro and nano scale. This book is a compilation of research articles and reviews related to the application of various materials such as polymers, metal oxides, carbo nanotubes and graphene in the field of electrical engineering. It underlines the relationship between material composition, structure, properties and its application in real world. Chapters 1-4 are compilations of research articles showcasing the electrical properties of polymer nanocomposites. The effect of composition of various kinds of polymer nanocomposites on electrical conduction and their application in chemical sensing is presented. While Chapters 5-8 focus on relatively “hot” engineering materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. In particular, Chapter 5 focuses on the engineering of graphene’s work function which plays a pivotal role in electrical applications. Whereas Chapter 7 discusses the role of graphene as cathode material in one of the sub-categories of the third generation solar cells, commonly known as dye sensitized solar cells. As materials at nanoscale exhibit unique properties, the effect of nanostructuring on the electrical properties of various metal oxides such as zinc oxide, titanium oxide and copper oxide is discussed in Chapters 9-14. While Chapters 15-17 focus on the application of metal nanoparticles and nanowires in transparent flexible conductors and electronic tongue. We come to conclusion of this book with the last Chapter 18 featuring the latest updates on the application of electrical materials for e-textiles: energy harvesting and storage. This book will be a useful resource of materials to help students, engineers and researchers working in the field of electrical engineering and material science to extend their existing knowledge. The collection of articles and review articles is well versed and the reader can keep themselves abreast with the latest developments in the field of electrical engineering materials through this book. About the Author Dharani Sabba worked as a Research Fellow in Energy Research Institute of Nanyang Technological University (ERI@N), Singapore, on investigating novel semiconductor and photoactive materials for opto-electronic applications. She also obtained her Ph.D in Materials Science from Nanyang Technological University. Her research interests encompass development and synthesis of novel nanomaterials, investigation of their properties and their application in renewable energy sector.