Raman/Rayleigh study of nanophases

Unique properties (conductivity, diffusion, reactivity, sintering, mechanical strength....) of nanostructured materials, all of which result from the interfacial characteristics, have been reported. Raman scattering is a unique tool for the characterization of such materials, providing information on the chemical bond arrangement and short-range order in amorphous, nanocrystalline or nanosized phases. This paper gives an overview of information extracted from Raman spectra in nanomaterials chosen among coloured nanophases (pigments, carbon-containing materials), electrolytes films (ZrO2, CeO2), electrode films (Li-intercalated InVO4), and fibres. The possibility of in situ analysis of working solid-state devices (under mechanical stress or electrochemical cyclincy) will be discussed.