Acidity and Basicity of Solids: Theory, Assessment and Utility - Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, La Colle sur Loup (Nice), France, June 13-25, 1993

Historically, technological developments that have made use of the acidity/basicity of solids have often preceded an understanding of the phenomena involved. This, of course, is very expensive, and a far less efficient process than research based on a fundamental understanding of the science. For the last 50 years, therefore, a vast amount of research has been devoted to the subject: the rewards, in terms of technological advantage, were seen to be high. In the last few years, however, significant advances in the field have been achieved, in terms of our theoretical understanding, in instrumentation that allows research to be conducted "in situ" and under conditions appropriate to industrial processes, and in the realization that a closer coupling between science and technology can improve our quest. It is against such a background that "Acidity and Basicity of Solids" presents work in the field. This text should be suitable for specialized workers in the field and university teachers of introductory as well as graduate courses. The more general reader may find the reviews interesting.