2D Metal Carbides and Nitrides (MXenes)


Book Description

This book describes the rapidly expanding field of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes). It covers fundamental knowledge on synthesis, structure, and properties of these new materials, and a description of their processing, scale-up and emerging applications. The ways in which the quickly expanding family of MXenes can outperform other novel nanomaterials in a variety of applications, spanning from energy storage and conversion to electronics; from water science to transportation; and in defense and medical applications, are discussed in detail.







Defects at Oxide Surfaces


Book Description

This book presents the basics and characterization of defects at oxide surfaces. It provides a state-of-the-art review of the field, containing information to the various types of surface defects, describes analytical methods to study defects, their chemical activity and the catalytic reactivity of oxides. Numerical simulations of defective structures complete the picture developed. Defects on planar surfaces form the focus of much of the book, although the investigation of powder samples also form an important part. The experimental study of planar surfaces opens the possibility of applying the large armoury of techniques that have been developed over the last half-century to study surfaces in ultra-high vacuum. This enables the acquisition of atomic level data under well-controlled conditions, providing a stringent test of theoretical methods. The latter can then be more reliably applied to systems such as nanoparticles for which accurate methods of characterization of structure and electronic properties have yet to be developed. The book gives guidance to tailor oxide surfaces by controlling the nature and concentration of defects. The importance of defects in the physics and chemistry of metal oxide surfaces is presented in this book together with the prominent role of oxides in common life. The book contains contributions from leaders in the field. It serves as a reference for experts and beginners in the field.







Nanotechnology in Fuel Cells


Book Description

Nanotechnology in Fuel Cells focuses on the use of nanotechnology in macroscopic and nanosized fuel cells to enhance their performance and lifespan. The book covers the fundamental design concepts and promising applications of nanotechnology-enhanced fuel cells and their advantages over traditional fuel cells in portable devices, including longer shelf life and lower cost. In the case of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), nano-membranes could provide 100 times higher conductivity of hydrogen ions in low humidity conditions than traditional membranes. For hydrogen fuel cell, nanocatalysts (Pt hybrid nanoparticles) could provide 12 times higher catalytic activity. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who are looking to understand how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient macro- and nanosized fuel cells. - Outlines how fuel cells can be nanoengineered to enhance their performance and lifespan - Covers a variety of fuel cell types, including proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and hydrogen-based fuel cells - Assesses the major challenges of nanoengineering fuel cells at an industrial scale




Electrochemical Energy


Book Description

Electrochemical Energy: Advanced Materials and Technologies covers the development of advanced materials and technologies for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. The book was created by participants of the International Conference on Electrochemical Materials and Technologies for Clean Sustainable Energy (ICES-2013) held in Guangzhou, China, and incorporates select papers presented at the conference. More than 300 attendees from across the globe participated in ICES-2013 and gave presentations in six major themes: Fuel cells and hydrogen energy Lithium batteries and advanced secondary batteries Green energy for a clean environment Photo-Electrocatalysis Supercapacitors Electrochemical clean energy applications and markets Comprised of eight sections, this book includes 25 chapters featuring highlights from the conference and covering every facet of synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of the advanced materials for electrochemical energy. It thoroughly describes electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, hydrogen generation, and their associated materials. The book contains a number of topics that include electrochemical processes, materials, components, assembly and manufacturing, and degradation mechanisms. It also addresses challenges related to cost and performance, provides varying perspectives, and emphasizes existing and emerging solutions. The result of a conference encouraging enhanced research collaboration among members of the electrochemical energy community, Electrochemical Energy: Advanced Materials and Technologies is dedicated to the development of advanced materials and technologies for electrochemical energy conversion and storage and details the technologies, current achievements, and future directions in the field.




Chemically Deposited Nanocrystalline Metal Oxide Thin Films


Book Description

This book guides beginners in the areas of thin film preparation, characterization, and device making, while providing insight into these areas for experts. As chemically deposited metal oxides are currently gaining attention in development of devices such as solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, sensors, etc., the book illustrates how the chemical deposition route is emerging as a relatively inexpensive, simple, and convenient solution for large area deposition. The advancement in the nanostructured materials for the development of devices is fully discussed.




Functional Metal Oxide Nanostructures


Book Description

Metal oxides and particularly their nanostructures have emerged as animportant class of materials with a rich spectrum of properties and greatpotential for device applications. In this book, contributions from leadingexperts emphasize basic physical properties, synthesis and processing, and thelatest applications in such areas as energy, catalysis and data storage. Functional Metal Oxide Nanostructuresis an essential reference for any materials scientist or engineer with aninterest in metal oxides, and particularly in recent progress in defectphysics, strain effects, solution-based synthesis, ionic conduction, and theirapplications.




Encyclopedia of Interfacial Chemistry


Book Description

Encyclopedia of Interfacial Chemistry: Surface Science and Electrochemistry, Seven Volume Set summarizes current, fundamental knowledge of interfacial chemistry, bringing readers the latest developments in the field. As the chemical and physical properties and processes at solid and liquid interfaces are the scientific basis of so many technologies which enhance our lives and create new opportunities, its important to highlight how these technologies enable the design and optimization of functional materials for heterogeneous and electro-catalysts in food production, pollution control, energy conversion and storage, medical applications requiring biocompatibility, drug delivery, and more. This book provides an interdisciplinary view that lies at the intersection of these fields. Presents fundamental knowledge of interfacial chemistry, surface science and electrochemistry and provides cutting-edge research from academics and practitioners across various fields and global regions




Metal Oxides in Supercapacitors


Book Description

Metal Oxides in Supercapacitors addresses the fundamentals of metal oxide-based supercapacitors and provides an overview of recent advancements in this area. Metal oxides attract most of the materials scientists use due to their excellent physico-chemical properties and stability in electrochemical systems. This justification for the usage of metal oxides as electrode materials in supercapacitors is their potential to attain high capacitance at low cost. After providing the principles, the heart of the book discusses recent advances, including: binary metal oxides-based supercapacitors, nanotechnology, ternary metal oxides, polyoxometalates and hybrids. Moreover, the factors affecting the charge storage mechanism of metal oxides are explored in detail. The electrolytes, which are the soul of supercapacitors and a mostly ignored character of investigations, are also exposed in depth, as is the fabrication and design of supercapacitors and their merits and demerits. Lastly, the market status of supercapacitors and a discussion pointing out the future scope and directions of next generation metal oxides based supercapacitors is explored, making this a comprehensive book on the latest, cutting-edge research in the field. - Explores the most recent advances made in metal oxides in supercapacitors - Discusses cutting-edge nanotechnology for supercapacitors - Includes fundamental properties of metal oxides in supercapacitors that can be used to guide and promote technology development - Contains contributions from leading international scientists active in supercapacitor research and manufacturing