The European Young Chemist Award has now been awarded four times (2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012). The authors of the previous books based on the competition have become some of the leading scientists in Europe. These books truly provide a glimpse into the future research landscape of European chemistry. Fifteen top contributions have been selected for this single volume covering areas of chemistry and materials science. The broad range of themes is presented in an approachable and readable manner equally appropriate for non-specialists on the topic. The overview of intriguing topics includes chemical synthesis and advanced methodologies as well as materials, nanoscience and nanotechnologies.

Bruno Pignataro is Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Palermo. He received his degree in chemistry in 1995 from the University of Catania and his PhD in materials science five years later. He has chaired the European Young Chemist Award in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. He has authored more than 100 scientific publications and leads a group working in the fields of nanoscience, nanotechnology, electronics and biotechnology.

Preface PART I: Advanced Methodologies SUPRAMOLECULAR RECEPTORS FOR THE RECOGNITION OF BIOANALYTES Introduction Bioanalytes Metal Complexes as Receptors for Biological Phosphates Functionalized Vesicles for the Recognition of Bioanalytes Boronic Acid Receptors for Diol-Containing Bioanalytes Conclusion and Outlook METHODS OF DNA RECOGNITION Introduction Historical Outline: The Central Dogma Intermolecular Interaction between the Transcription Factors and the DNA Miniature Versions of Transcription Factors Intermolecular Interaction Between Small Molecules and the DNA Outlook STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX MOLECULAR SYSTEMS BY HIGH-RESOLUTION AND TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY Dissecting Molecular Complexity with Mass Spectrometry Advances in Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry Advances in Mass Analyzers for FT-ICR MS Advances in Mass Analyzers for Orbitrap FTMS Applications of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Advances in Tandem Mass Spectrometry Outlook: Quo vadis FTMS? Summary and Future Issues COHERENT ELECTRONIC ENERGY TRANSFER IN BIOLOGICAL AND ARTIFICIAL MULTICHROMOPHORIC SYSTEMS Introduction to Electronic Energy Transfer in Complex Systems The Meaning of Electronic Coherence in Energy Transfer Energy Migration in Terms of Occupation Probability: A Unified Approach Experimental Detection of Quantum Coherence Electronic Coherence Measured by Two-Dimensional Photon Echo Future Perspectives and Conclusive Remarks ULTRAFAST STUDIES OF CARRIER DYNAMICS IN QUANTUM DOTS FOR NEXT GENERATION PHOTOVOLTAICS Introduction Theoretical Limits Bulk Semiconductors Semiconductor Quantum Dots Carrier Dynamics Ultrafast Techniques Quantum Efficiency Ligand Exchange and Film Studies Conclusions MICRO FLOW CHEMISTRY: NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR SYNTHETIC CHEMISTS Introduction Characteristics of Micro Flow - Basic Engineering Principles Unusual Reaction Conditions Enabled by Microreactor Technology The Use of Immobilized Reagents, Scavengers, and Catalysts Multistep Synthesis in Flow Avoiding Microreactor Clogging Reaction Screening and Optimization Protocols in Microreactors Sale-Up Issues - From Laboratory Scale to Production Scale Outlook UNDERSTANDING TRENDS IN REACTION BARRIERS Introduction Activation Strain Model and Energy Decomposition Analysis Pericyclic Reactions Nucleophilic Substitutions and Additions Unimolecular Processes Concluding Remarks PART II: Materials, Nanoscience, and Nanotechnologies MOLECULAR METAL OXIDES: TOWARD A DIRECTED AND FUNCTIONAL FUTURE Introduction New Technologies and Analytical Techniques New Synthetic Approaches Continuous Flow Systems and Networked Reactions 3D Printing Technology Emergent Properties and Novel Phenomena Conclusions and Perspectives MOLECULAR METAL OXIDES FOR ENERGY CONVERSION AND ENERGY STORAGE Introduction to Molecular Metal Oxide Chemistry POM Photocatalysis Energy Conversion Promising Developments for POMs in Energy Conversion and Storage Summary THE NEXT GENERATION OF SILYLENE LIGANDS FOR BETTER CATALYSTS General Introduction Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Silylene Transition Metal Complexes Conclusion and Outlook HALIDE EXCHANGE REACTIONS MEDIATED BY TRANSITION METALS Introduction Nickel-Based Methodologies for Halide Exchanges Recent Advances in Palladium-Catalyzed Aryl Halide Exchange Reactions The Versatility of Copper-Catalyzed Aryl Halide Exchange Reactions Conclusions and Perspectives NANOPARTICLE ASSEMBLIES FROM MOLECULAR MEDIATOR Introduction Assembly or Self-Assembly Nanoparticles and their Protection against Aggregation or Agglomeration Nanoparticle Assemblies Synthesis Methods Applications of Nanoparticle Assemblies Conclusion POROUS MOLECULAR SOLIDS Introduction Porous Organic Molecular Crystals Porous Amorphous Molecular Materials Summary ELECTROCHEMICAL MOTORS Inspiration from Biomotors Chemical Motors Externally Powered Motion Asymmetry for a Controlled Motion Bipolar Electrochemistry Asymmetric Motors Synthetized by Bipolar Electrochemistry Direct Use of Bipolar Electrochemistry for Motion Generation Conclusion and Perspectives AZOBENZENE IN MOLECULAR AND SUPRAMOLECULAR DEVICES AND MACHINES Introduction Dendrimers Molecular Devices and Machines Conclusion Index