This book presents a range of entropy methods for diffusive PDEs devised by many researchers in the course of the past few decades, which allow us to understand the qualitative behavior of solutions to diffusive equations (and Markov diffusion processes). Applications include the large-time asymptotics of solutions, the derivation of convex Sobolev inequalities, the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions, and the analysis of discrete and geometric structures of the PDEs. The purpose of the book is to provide readers an introduction to selected entropy methods that can be found in the research literature. In order to highlight the core concepts, the results are not stated in the widest generality and most of the arguments are only formal (in the sense that the functional setting is not specified or sufficient regularity is supposed). The text is also suitable for advanced master and PhD students and could serve as a textbook for special courses and seminars.
"This book is devoted to presenting a brief summary and a collection of some entropy methods developed in recent decades by many researchers in order to understand the qualitative properties of solutions to diffusive partial differential equations and Markov processes. ... In particular, the book may be useful for advanced Master's and Ph.D. students or for special courses or seminars." (Gaetano Siciliano, Mathematical Reviews, May, 2017)