Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, A: Chemistry, 46 (1989) 129 - 132 129

Book Reviews

Semiconductor Electrodes edited by H. 0. Finkles; published by Elsevier Science, 1988; 520 pp.; price U.S. $179.00/Df1.340.00

This text gives an authoritative account of the vast subject area of semiconductor interfaces with liquids.

Following a most interesting introduction to the subject, presented in Chapter 1, the two elemental semiconductors (silicon and germanium) and several compound semiconductors are covered in detailed discussions in subsequent chapters. Little effort is given to comparative studies but this is left to the individual reader.

Chapters on each of the semiconductor materials are written by emi- nent authors in the field and a detailed analysis is given. Many references are included for readers to consult. Most of the chapters are “rounded off” with a conclusion section though some end rather abruptly without such a section, It is felt that any well-written article should have “a beginning - a middle - an end” and future directions of the subject naturally come into this final section.

The standard of presentation throughout the text is excellent, for instance, p. 464 contains a very clear SEM microphotograph (or should it be photomicrograph as on p. 442?). Line diagrams and tabulated dataare also clearly presented.

The text will be invaluable to workers new to this field and the provi- sion of an abundant supply of references will also be helpful to those already investigating semiconductor electrodes.

FRANK THOMPSON

Advances in Gas-phase Photochemistry and Kinetics. Molecular Photodissociation Dynamics

edited by M. N. R. Ashfold and J. E. Baggott; Royal Society of Chemistry, 1988; xiii + 243 pp.; price 659.50, U.S. $119

The Specialist Periodical Report (SPR) of the Royal Society of Chem- istry entitled “Photochemistry” has, since its inception, carried one chapter in each issue on gas phase photoprocesses. While this regular chapter has been a valuable reference source in gas phase spectroscopy, photochemistry and photochemical kinetics, it has been evident that the space available was insufficient to deal with the ever-increasing number of research papers in anything but the most cursory manner. At the same time, as the subject area

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