PrefaceThe discovery of nanodiamond has transformed our understanding of carbon-based materials and opened exciting opportunities across science, engineering, medicine, and advanced manufacturing. Once regarded primarily as an industrial abrasive because of diamond's exceptional hardness, nanodiamond has evolved into one of the most versatile nanomaterials of the twenty-first century. With particle sizes typically ranging from a few to several hundred nanometers, nanodiamonds combine the extraordinary mechanical, thermal, optical, and chemical properties of diamond with the unique advantages of nanoscale materials. Their remarkable biocompatibility, large surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and ability to integrate with polymers, metals, ceramics, and biological systems have positioned them as enabling materials for next-generation technologies.Today, nanodiamonds are being investigated for applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, quantum sensing, biomedical engineering, electronics, energy storage, tribology, catalysis, coatings, composites, thermal management, environmental remediation, and quantum computing. Their nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers have attracted worldwide attention for quantum information science, while surface-functionalized nanodiamonds continue to advance targeted therapeutics, regenerative medicine, and precision diagnostics. As research expands, nanodiamonds are increasingly becoming essential components of interdisciplinary scientific innovation.This book has been written to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and practical treatment of nanodiamond materials and hybrid systems. It bridges the gap between introductory texts and specialized research literature by integrating fundamental principles with recent scientific advances and emerging applications. The material is intended for graduate students, researchers, faculty members, scientists, engineers, and professionals working in materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy technologies, and related disciplines.The chapters begin with the fundamental structure, synthesis, characterization, surface chemistry, defects, and interfaces of nanodiamonds before progressing to their mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and biological properties. The book then explores hybrid nanodiamond systems, composite materials, biomedical technologies, energy applications, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, environmental applications, artificial intelligence–assisted materials discovery, sustainability, commercialization, and future research directions. Throughout the text, emphasis is placed on connecting scientific theory with engineering practice and industrial applications.Special attention has been given to presenting complex concepts in a clear and systematic manner. Numerous figures, tables, workflows, case studies, and practical examples are included to help readers understand both the scientific foundations and technological significance of nanodiamond materials. Recent advances from academic research and industrial development have been incorporated wherever appropriate, providing readers with an up-to-date perspective on this rapidly evolving field.Nanodiamond research continues to expand at an extraordinary pace, driven by advances in nanotechnology, biotechnology, quantum engineering, and sustainable materials science. Future innovations will likely emerge from collaborations across multiple disciplines, making interdisciplinary education increasingly important. It is my hope that this book will serve as a valuable resource for learning, teaching, research, and innovation, while inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to explore the immense potential of nanodiamond materials.
