ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the functional architectures consisting of various low-dimensional compounds. Low-dimensional compounds are macromolecules with anisotropic shape such as linear-rod and thin-platelet. Low-dimensional compounds are a concept for molecules that corresponds with rod, ladder (one-dimensional compound), and sheet (two-dimensional compound)-shaped (macro) molecules. Carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene (GP) are perhaps the most well-known low-dimensional compounds that have high potential for use as functional materials on widely industrial fields. Some of clay minerals are one of low-dimensional compounds that are found in soil. Clay minerals are widely utilized due to the progress in their purification and synthesis methods. The application of low-dimensional compounds is one of prospective approaches for the creation of various functional materials that will contribute to diverse materials sciences. The book reviews the various advanced studies about the application of low-dimensional compounds.
