The Physics and Chemistry of Solids

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 794 pages
• Published by: Wiley
• Edition: 1st Edition September 9, 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0471981958
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0471981954
• Book Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 1.9 inches
• Weighs: 3.5 pounds

Product Review
"it [the book] would be a useful reference source for solid state chemists." (Angenanote Chemie, Vol. 38, No. 4, 1999)

Product Description
Taking an original, imaginative approach to the subject, Stephen Elliott's book is one of the first to bridge the gap between solid state physics and chemistry. Considerable thought has gone into the structure and content of this book, with the first four chapters covering the properties of atoms in solids and the remaining four concentrating on the behaviour of electrons in materials. Fundamental principles are covered together with the very latest developments, such as combinatorial library synthesis, mesoporous materials, fullerenes and nanotubes, optical localization and the experimental observation of fractional electronic charge. Clearly written and richly illustrated, The Physics and Chemistry of Solids will be of great interest to Physicists, Chemists, Material Scientists and Engineers.

Reader Reviews
I bought this book a few years ago, soon after it was published. In my opinion it is the best ever written book bridging solid-state chemistry and physics. It is clearly written and logically organized in 8 chapters (770 pages, index included): 1) Synthesis and preparation of materials; 2) Atomic structure and bonding; 3) Defects; 4) Atomic dynamics; 5) Electrons in solids; 6) Electron dynamics; 7) Dielectric and magnetic properties; 8) Reduced dimensionality. Why is there a need for such a book? Traditionally the communities of solid-state physicists and chemists are splitted and, with rare exceptions, there is little communication and exchange among them. Broadly speaking, physicists like to see (and use) lot of mathematical formulae to study idealized systems whereas chemists like to concentrate their attention on both structural aspects and reactivity (ex. catalysis) of solids. Furthermore, the latter investigate far more complex solids (from the structural point of view) such as molecular crystals, which are characterized by intricated intermolecular interactions, while the former prefer to play with pure metals and semiconductors, which are characterized by a high degree of crystal symmetry and without defects. Each community has developed its own jargon and, hence, it remains difficult for someone to understand either. As a result, it is easy to stay playing in each other backyard, under the protection of solid fences. The negative aspect of this situation is that much of the interesting Science lies at interface of traditional disciplines. Yes, lot of efforts are necessary to jump over the fence and play in your neighbor's backyard; at the beginning you will feel (and fear!) his superiority but after a while you may come up with something new that neither him nor yourself could have ever discovered if remaining to play in the original field. Dr. Elliott's book helps those courageous scientists to jump over the fence and have a look into the neighbor's playground. Don't be afraid. Another book written with the same philosophy in mind is Springborg's "Methods of Electronic Structure Calculations".