Author Description

Written from the point of view of the chemist, rather than the physicist, Solid State Chemistry is the first book to emphasise the importance of careful synthesis to understanding the properties of a large number of transition metal oxides and sulfides. It discusses many widely used solid state materials, including high-temperature oxide superconductors, diamond films, catalysts, semiconductors, and magnetic materials. The introductory tutorial section familiarizes the reader with basic elements of crystallography; the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of solids; and phase diagrams. The tutorials use physics and mathematics at levels that any 3rd year chemistry student should be able to follow with little difficulty. The chapters that follow treat the synthesis of oxides and sulfides as both polycrystalline solids and simple crystals. Compounds selected for discussion are classified according to structure type, which are illustrated by clear drawings. Throughout, the focus is on how synthesis is related to properties and how sensitive properties are to small levels of contaminants. The book uses a single extended molecular orbital model to correlate properties with synthesis and structure. Solid State Chemistry is suitable for use as a text for a short 3rd year course in chemistry or materials science. Each chapter includes problems (some with answers) that test the students ability to apply the principles discussed and encourage further reading in the literature.