Because of advanced characterization and new fabrication techniques, nanomaterials are now central to multiple disciplines, including materials science, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Nanomaterials with many kinds of morphologies and compositions have been extensively investigated, and display various kinds of functionality in areas such as electronic structure, optical effects, and spin dynamics. This book presents a detailed overview of recent research developments on functional nanomaterials, including synthesis, characterization, and applications. A series of chapters provides state-of-the-art information on oxide nanoparticles, metal nanostructures, semiconductor nanocrystals, and polymer nanocomposites.