For example, spinel ferrites are studied at microscale as well as nanoscale. However it is almost impossible to find research work that is a mix of nano as well as micro scale materials. Is anyone familiar with such a work? Why there is plenty of interdisciplinary research but no (as far as I know) research efforts when it comes to inter-scale research?
Good question. Nano scale and micro scales are two distinguish areas. In interdisciplinary science normally we study two or more different fields, however those are closely related to each other. Modern day science, mainly focus in to interdisciplinary science. For a example, chemistry is not independent research area, it may depends on physics, computer science, biology so on. Then all area has some beneficial also advantage in interdisciplinary science. Further, those fields have some common properties.
When we consider, combination of nano and micro scale, there is less interest due to some seasons. Nano world is completely different world compare to micro world. Properties are completely difference here. For a example, nano gold shows completely different properties rather than micro or bulk gold. Naturally, micro world represent the properties of bulk materials. There are some research also do with both micro and nano scale materials. For a example, when we consider the carbon nanotubes, diameter is in nano scale, however, it may have 1-2 micrometer length. In future scientist will think about inter-link nano and micro world together. So your thoughts will good for that. Few decades before, there is no strong interest about interdisciplinary science. However, today most research done in interdisciplinary science. So we cant predict the future.
There is lots of work at intermediate length scales that you can find under the term "mesoscopic".
Another point is that for some applications it makes sense to have a certain length scale. For reproducibility it is usually better to have a narrow size distribution instead of a mixture. As a result for answering fundamental questions and understanding a system it makes sense to have a controlled size.
Besides that characterization methods often are well suited for a certain length scale while they are not working at another. For all methods you have instrumental limits.
Good topic to discuss.Size variations can also lead to property variations.A particular material with different range of sizes at the same time for a single application may also exhibit variations in efficacy.study can be tough and time-consuming.besides,coming to conclusions may be tough,although comparisons are possible.
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