Advanced Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Renewable Energy


Book Description

Advanced Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Renewable Energy, Second Edition presents timely topics related to nanomaterials' feasible synthesis and characterization and their application in the energy fields. The book examines the broader aspects of energy use, including environmental effects of disposal of Li-ion and Na batteries and reviews the main energy sources of today and tomorrow, from fossil fuels to biomass, hydropower, storage power and solar energy. The monograph treats energy carriers globally in terms of energy storage, transmission, and distribution, addresses fuel cell-based solutions in transportation, industrial, and residential building, considers synergistic systems, and more. This new edition also offers updated statistical data and references; a new chapter on the synchronous x-ray based analysis techniques and electron tomography, and if waste disposal of energy materials pose a risk to the microorganism in water, and land use; expanding coverage of renewable energy from the first edition; with newer color illustrations. Provides a comprehensive review of solar energy, fuel cells and gas storage from 2010 to the present Reviews feasible synthesis and modern analytical techniques used in alternative energy Explores examples of research in alternative energy, including current assessments of nanomaterials and safety Contains a glossary of terms, units and historical benchmarks Presents a useful guide that will bring readers up-to-speed on historical developments in alternative fuel cells




Renewable and Clean Energy Systems Based on Advanced Nanomaterials


Book Description

Renewable and Clean Energy Systems Based on Advanced Nanomaterials: Basis, Preparation and Applications describes the fundamental aspects of a diverse range of nanomaterials used in the fields of renewable and clean energy. Various methods of preparing several different nanomaterials for green energy systems, such as advanced nanomaterials for solar cells, mixed metal oxide-based nanomaterials for hydrogen storage, and active nanomaterials for Li ion batteries are presented along with their advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Chapters also discuss novel methods of power analysis, frequency regulation methods, practical applications of solar panels, economic efficiency of solar energy, solar physics, and much more. This is a valuable resource on the basic science, preparation methods, and practical applications of advanced nanomaterials for green energy systems. Features recent advances on nanomaterials preparation methods and their applications in photovoltaic technology Discusses sustainable strategies for producing large-scale nanomaterials, focusing on preparation techniques that are cost-effective and eco-friendly Reviews the efficiency of nanomaterials used in solar energy storage and conversion




Nanomaterials for Green Energy


Book Description

Nanomaterials for Green Energy focuses on the synthesis, characterization and application of novel nanomaterials in the fields of green science and technology. This book contains fundamental information about the properties of novel nanomaterials and their application in green energy. In particular, synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials, their application in solar and fuel cells and batteries, and nanomaterials for a low-toxicity environment are discussed. It will provide an important reference resource for researchers in materials science and renewable energy who wish to learn more about how nanomaterials are used to create cheaper, more efficient green energy products. Provides fundamental information about the properties and application of new low-cost nanomaterials for green energy Shows how novel nanomaterials are used to create more efficient solar cells Offers solutions to common problems related to the use of materials in the development of energy- related technologies




Advanced Nanomaterials for Solar Cells and Light Emitting Diodes


Book Description

Advanced Nanomaterials for Solar Cells and Light Emitting Diodes discusses the importance of nanomaterials as the active layers in solar cells and light emitting diodes (LEDs), along with the progress of nanomaterials as the electron and hole transporting layers. Specifically, the book reviews the use of nano-morphology of polymers, small molecules, and the organic-inorganic perovskites as the active layers in solar cells and LEDs. The design, fabrication and properties of metal-oxide-based nano-structures as electron and hole transporting layers are also reviewed. In addition, the development of plasmonic nanomaterials for solar cells and LEDs is discussed. Each topic in this book includes an overview of the materials system from principles to process. The advantages, disadvantages and related methodologies are highlighted. The book includes applications based on materials and emphasize how to improve the performance of solar cells and LEDs by the materials design, with a focus on nanomaterials. Provides latest research on nanostructured materials including small molecules, polymers, organic-inorganic perovskites, and many other relevant materials systems for solar cells and LEDs Addresses each promising materials system from principles to process, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of the most relevant methods of processing and fabrication Looks ahead to most likely techniques to improve performance of solar cells and light emitting diodes




Advanced Nanomaterials for Membrane Synthesis and Its Applications


Book Description

Advanced Nanomaterials for Membrane Synthesis and Its Applications provides the academic and industrial communities the most up-to-date information on the latest trends in membrane nanomaterials and membrane nanotechnology used in wastewater treatment, environmental technology and energy. The rapid advances in nanomaterials and nanotechnology development over the past decade have resulted in significant growth of the membrane business for various industrial processes, particularly in nanotechnology-based membrane processes. While membrane technology is increasingly being used for liquid and gas separations, it has great potential in a variety of additional applications. As the worldwide academic community has a strong interest in advanced membrane processes, particularly membrane nanotechnology for specific separations, this book provides a timely update on the topic. Presents a unique focus on the use of advanced nanomaterials in membrane fabrication/modification, and in the description of membrane nanotechnologies, such as nanofiltration, thin film nanocomposites and nanofibers for various applications Describes next generation membranes, providing first resource details on the development and commercialization stages of these new membranes Represents the state-of-the-art on the use of nanomaterials in membrane science




Nanomaterials for Solar Cell Applications


Book Description

Nanomaterials for Solar Cell Applications provides a review of recent developments in the field of nanomaterials based solar cells. It begins with a discussion of the fundamentals of nanomaterials for solar calls, including a discussion of lifecycle assessments and characterization techniques. Next, it reviews various types of solar cells, i.e., Thin film, Metal-oxide, Nanowire, Nanorod and Nanoporous materials, and more. Other topics covered include a review of quantum dot sensitized and perovskite and polymer nanocomposites-based solar cells. This book is an ideal resource for those working in this evolving field of nanomaterials and renewable energy. Provides a well-organized approach to the use of nanomaterials for solar cell applications Discusses the synthesis, characterization and applications of traditional and new material Includes coverage of emerging nanomaterials, such as graphene, graphene-derivatives and perovskites




Advanced Nanomaterials for High-Efficiency Solar Cells


Book Description

Energy supply has arguably become one of the most important problems facing humankind. The exponential demand for energy is evidenced by dwindling fossil fuel supplies and record-high oil and gas prices due to global population growth and economic development. This energy shortage has significant implications to the future of our society, in addition to the greenhouse gas emission burden due to consumption of fossil fuels. Solar energy seems to be the most viable choice to meet our clean energy demand given its large scale and clean/renewable nature. However, existing methods to convert sun light into electricity are not efficient enough to become a practical alternative to fossil fuels. This DOE project aims to develop advanced hybrid nanomaterials consisting of semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots or QDs) supported on graphene for cost-effective solar cells with improved conversion efficiency for harvesting abundant, renewable, clean solar energy to relieve our global energy challenge. Expected outcomes of the project include new methods for low-cost manufacturing of hybrid nanostructures, systematic understanding of their properties that can be tailored for desired applications, and novel photovoltaic cells. Through this project, we have successfully synthesized a number of novel nanomaterials, including vertically-oriented graphene (VG) sheets, three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanostructures comprising few-layer graphene (FLG) sheets inherently connected with CNTs through sp2 carbons, crumpled graphene (CG)-nanocrystal hybrids, CdSe nanoparticles (NPs), CdS NPs, nanohybrids of metal nitride decorated on nitrogen-doped graphene (NG), QD-carbon nanotube (CNT) and QD-VG-CNT structures, TiO2-CdS NPs, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-SnO2 NPs. We further assembled CdSe NPs onto graphene sheets and investigated physical and electronic interactions between CdSe NPs and the graphene. Finally we have demonstrated various applications of these nanomaterials in solar cells (both as photoanodes and counter electrodes), gas sensors, and energy storage devices. This research is potentially transformative since the availability of affordable hybrid nanostructures and their fundamental properties will enable various innovative applications of the multifunctional hybrid nanostructures and thus will accelerate new discoveries and inventions in nanoscience and nanotechnology.




Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites for Bioelectrochemical Systems


Book Description

Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites for Bioelectrochemical Systems covers advancements in nanomaterial and nanocomposite applications for microbial fuel cells. One of the advantages of using microbial fuel cells is the simultaneous treatment of wastewater and the generation of electricity from complex organic waste and biomass, which demonstrates that microbial fuel cells are an active area of frontier research. The addition of microorganisms is essential to enhance the reaction kinetics. This type of fuel cell helps to convert complex organic waste into useful energy through the metabolic activity of microorganisms, thereby generating energy. By incorporating nano-scale fillers into the nanocomposite matrix, the performance of the anode material can be improved. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who want to learn more about how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient fuel cells. Describes the major nanomaterials and nanocomposites used in microbial fuel cells Explains how microbial fuel cells are being used in renewable energy applications Assesses the challenges of manufacturing nanomaterials for microbial fuel cells on an industrial scale




Nanomaterials for Energy Applications


Book Description

Nanomaterials for Energy Applications provides readers with an in-depth understanding of advanced nanomaterials and their applications in energy generation and utilization concepts. It focuses on emerging nanomaterials and applications in various energy-related fields. Describes nanomaterials for use in photovoltaic cells, solid state lighting, fuel cells, electrochemical batteries, electrochemical capacitors, superconductors, hydrogen storage, and photocatalysts. Focuses on commercial and economic aspects. Includes case studies drawn from practical research. This book is aimed at researchers, advanced students, and practicing engineers in the disciplines of materials, mechanical, electrical, and related fields of engineering.




Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical-Based Energy Conversion and Storage


Book Description

Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical-Based Energy Conversion and Storage covers recent progress made in the rational design and engineering of functional nanomaterials for battery and supercapacitor applications in the forms of electrode materials, separators and electrolytes. The book includes detailed discussions of preparation methods, structural characterization, and manipulation techniques. Users will find a comprehensive illustration on the close correlation between material structures and properties, such as energy density, power density, cycle number and safety. Provides an overview on the application of nanomaterials for energy storage and power systems Includes a description of the fundamental aspects of the electrochemical process Explores the new aspects of electrolyte and separator systems