The World is confronted with a plethora of potentially disruptive technologies – some, such as nanotechnology, will inevitably challenge our cherished social, economic and industrial stability over the next two decades. Rational design and manufacture of materials properties through nanostructure control will profoundly affect the food we eat, the sources of water and power we use, our health services, our national security, housing, transportation, etc. Precisely what will be the ultimate effect of these disruptions is still unclear. However, this book is particularly timely as many new industries are already emerging from nanostructure manipulation
