Structure-Property Relationships of Oxide Surfaces and Interfaces II

Surfaces and interfaces found in oxide systems are strikingly complex. Their structures are irregular, often comprising unique atom arrangements, cation and anion vacancies, and other defects that distinguish the interface from the bulk. Thus, oxide surfaces and interfaces can only be fully understood when examined at an atomic level. Yet for the materials scientist, such understanding is of paramount importance since future technological advances require it. This volume, the second in a new series from the Materials Research Society, brings together researchers from around the world to address structure-property relationships in these important systems. Compared to the first proceedings, here we see a shift towards less well-defined materials that often more closely resemble reality, and an increasing effort to study these phenomena using "in situ techniques. Of particular interest are discussions on the dynamical evolution of surface structure and relationships between the structure of surfaces, their stoichiometry and the distribution of bulk dislocations, which in turn can control the growth and retraction of islands and pits. Such complex interplay between structure, chemistry and environment is clearly challenging. Consequently many papers tackle such problems by using a combination of both experiment and simulation. An elegant example is the use of density functional calculations to confirm and provide an interpretation of EELS data on an atomic-layer intergrowth. Such synergy between theory and experiment underpins a maturing approach to these most demanding of problems. Modeling and characterization of thin intergranular films, with a focus on how these films influence theproperties of so many ceramic materials, are also addressed.Alexander, Kathleen B. is the author of 'Structure-Property Relationships of Oxide Surfaces and Interfaces II' with ISBN 9781558996885 and ISBN 1558996885.