Advanced Functional Materials

Functional Materials are materials engineered to possess specific, useful properties that enable them to perform particular tasks or functions in various applications. Unlike conventional materials, which may be selected mainly for structural strength or durability, functional materials are designed for their unique characteristics, such as electrical conductivity, magnetism, optical behavior, or responsiveness to environmental stimuli. Examples include semiconductors (used in electronics), piezoelectric materials (which generate electricity when mechanically stressed), photovoltaic materials (used in solar cells), and smart materials that change properties in response to temperature or pressure. These materials are crucial in advancing technologies in fields like electronics, renewable energy, sensors, and healthcare.