Recent Advances in Complex Functional Materials

In this book we explore new approaches to understanding the physical and chemical properties of emergent complex functional materials, revealing a close relationship between their structures and properties at the molecular level.

The primary focus of this book is on the ability to synthesize materials with a controlled chemical composition, a crystallographic structure, and a well-defined morphology. Special attention is also given to the interplay of theory, simulation and experimental results, in order to interconnect theoretical knowledge and experimental approaches, which can reveal new scientific and technological directions in several fields, expanding the versatility to yield a variety of new complex materials with desirable applications and functions.

Some of the challenges and opportunities in this field are also discussed, targeting the development of new emergent complex functional materials with tailored properties to solve problems related to renewable energy, health, and environmental sustainability.

A more fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical properties of new emergent complex functional materials is essential to achieving more substantial progress in a number of technological fields. With this goal in mind, the editors invited acknowledged specialists to contribute chapters covering a broad range of disciplines.  

1. Prof. Dr. Elson Longo: He finished his first degree in chemistry (1966-1969) at São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, and obtained his Master (1973-1975) and PhD (1980-1984) from the University of São Paulo (USP).Technical Assistant of Cabinet and Associate Professor of Post-Graduation at the Insitutte of Chemistry at the UNESP. Senior Professor and Head of the Chemistry Department at the Federal Univerisyt of Sao Carlos, Professor HONORIS CAUSA of Federal university of Paraiba. He holds a doctorate in Physics and Chemistry from the Institute of Physics of USP-São Carlos, published more than 985 articles in international journals,  H index of 62, 18.933 citations, 32 applications for privileges and generated more than 835 papers in congresses in the last 13 years. He has developed more than 42 projects and agreements with the Federal and State governments, as well as with companies (only with CSN were more than 45 Projects). He mentored and co-guided more than 72 PhD theses and master's dissertations. Received more than 20 awards and honorable mentions. It maintains strong interchange with national and international research institutions in Spain, France, USA and Italy. Director of the Center for the Development of Functional Materials (CDMF / FAPESP), which were designed for the development of basic and technological research, teaching and technology transfer to the private sector. Member of the International Academy of Ceramics (World Academy of Ceramics). Academy of Sciences of the State of São Paulo (ACIESP) and Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences.
 
2. Prof. Dr. Felipe de Almeida La Porta: Felipe A. La Porta finished his first degree in chemistry (2006-2010) at Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) and obtained his PhD in Chemistry (2010-2014) from the São Paulo State University (UNESP), under the direction of the Prof. Elson Longo and Prof. Juan Andrés. In 2014-2015 he worked at the Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Ceramic Materials at Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCAR). He is currently adjunct professor of chemistry in the Federal University of Technology Paraná (UTFPR) and his research interests are in the field of the chemistry of emergent complex functional materials to understand the main features related between its structure and properties using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches, thus contributing for the rational structural design at the molecular level.