Preface

Nanofabrication is the process of developing different nanostructures that are commonly used as components of systems or devices. Advances in nanofabrication technologies have produced various kinds of nanostructures, allowing for precise control over size, shape, heterogeneity, and material composition. Recently, nanofabrication methods have been receiving increasing interest due to their importance for the creation of compact devices and their assembly into functional systems for different applications in nanoelectronics, semiconductors, optics, nanophotonics, biomedical engineering, bio-inspired architectures, and nanofluidics for the production of high-value-added products.

New techniques and hybrid nanostructures are developed using different synthesis and fabrication procedures. Different processes, phenomena, and interesting properties are studied theoretically and experimentally using advanced characterization and analysis techniques. Nanofabrication techniques are the building blocks of different devices and technological innovation. Advances in modern nanofabrication techniques contribute to state-of-the-art implementations in various areas. Nanofabrication techniques will always benefit from further development regarding structural, mechanical, optical, and magnetic or electronic properties of the processing materials for device applications.

This book presents an overview of the working principles, recent progress, and the challenges and limitations in the fabrication of nanostructures. It also discusses the basic phenomenon of nanostructure formation and the different types of nanostructures and their synthesis, fabrication, application, and devices. The book provides useful information on nanofabrication for students, researchers, and professionals. The latest research on different types of nanostructures, scientific advances in fabrication techniques, and exciting potential applications of nanostructures will hopefully spur the development of future devices. The book addresses the scientific advances and interesting facts of nanofabrication for the study of next-generation devices. Finally, it examines the technological implications of further advances and presents a perspective on the future direction of large-scale nanofabrication.

This book contains eight chapters that explore some of the most exciting developments of nanostructure materials, fabrication techniques, and applications. Chapters 1 and 2 discuss nanofabrication methods and the basics of fabrication of different nanostructures. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 discuss various morphologies, mesoporous silica, and nano ZnO. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 review assembly technology of different materials, including 2D materials, and basic performance application of materials. These chapters explain the fundamentals of nanostructure materials and fabrication techniques for technological innovation.

I would like to thank the contributing authors for their excellent chapters. I would also like to thank the staff at IntechOpen for their help throughout the publication process.

#### **Dipti Ranjan Sahu**

Faculty of Health, Natural Resources and Applied Sciences, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia Section 1
