Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells (2 Vols.)


Book Description

A guide to one of the most important aspects for affordable and highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells Dye-sensitized solar cells have the potential to be one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for production of renewable and clean energy. Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells offers an introduction to the various types of counter electrode catalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite solar cells, including metal and metal compounds, carbon materials, polymers, and composites. With contributions from an international panel of experts, the book contains a discussion of the design and synthesis of the catalysts, characterization and stability of the devices, as well as calculations on properties. The contributors cover a wide range of topics including information on: carbon nanotubes electrocatalysts for I-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells; Pt-loaded composite electrocatalysts for I-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells; metal contact electrodes for perovskite solar cells; and much more. The book also includes insight into the future developments in the field. This important resource Covers the various types of counter electrode catalysts and presents design strategies, synthesis methods, theoretical calculation and stability evaluation Includes information on low-cost counter electrode catalysts and commercial applications of dye-sensitized sensitized solar cells Disscuses how electrode catalysts can be applied in a range of fields, such as solar cells, fuel cells, hydrogen production, and photocatalysis Offers contributions from leading experts in the field including Anders Hagfeldt, one of the world's leading researchers in this field Written for materials scientists, solid state chemists, electrochemists, catalytic chemists, solid state physicists, and chemical industry professionals, Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to dye-sensitized solar cells.




Smart Materials for Science and Engineering


Book Description

SMART MATERIALS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Smart materials, also known as advanced or creative materials, are described as advanced materials that react intuitively to environmental changes or as materials that can return to their original shape in response to certain stimuli. Smart materials are classified as either active or passive based on their characteristics. There are two types of active materials. The first kind cannot change its characteristics when subjected to outside stimuli, for example photochromatic spectacles that only alter their color when exposed to sunlight. The other, which includes piezoelectric materials, can change one sort of energy (thermal, electrical, chemical, mechanical, or optical) into another. When subjected to external pressure, it can generate an electric charge. As an example, optical fibers can transmit electromagnetic waves. In contrast, passive smart materials can transmit a specific sort of energy. They have some amazing qualities that set them apart from other materials, such as transiency, meaning they can react to different kinds of external stimuli immediately, self-actuation or the capacity to change their appearance and shape, selectivity where the response is divided and expected, directness when the response is limited to the activating event, shape-changing where the material can change its shape to external stimuli, their ability to determine their own health, also known as self-diagnosis, and their ability to self-heal. The ability to synthesize novel materials has substantially progressed thanks to science and technology over the past 20 years. They fall mostly into the following four categories: polymers, ceramics, metals, and smart materials. Among these, smart materials are gaining popularity since they have more uses than conventional materials. Smart materials are unusual substances that have the ability to alter their properties, such as those that can immediately change their phase when placed near a magnet or their shape simply by applying heat. Humanity will be significantly impacted by this new era of smart materials. For instance, some of them can adapt their properties to the environment, some have sensory capabilities, some can repair themselves automatically, and some can degrade themselves. These extraordinary properties of smart materials will have an effect on all facets of civilization. There are many different types of intelligent materials, including magnetorheological materials, electro-rheostat materials, shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, and more. This book describes many forms of smart materials and their possible uses in various fields. A literature survey discusses the different types of smart materials, such as based ceramics, polymers, and organic compounds and their needs, advantages, disadvantages, and applications will be comprehensively discussed. A discussion of well-established smart materials including piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, shape memory alloy, electro-rheological fluid, and magnetorheological fluid materials will be discussed with their present prospects.




Atomic and Nano Scale Materials for Advanced Energy Conversion, 2 Volumes


Book Description

Atomic and Nano Scale Materials for Advanced Energy Conversion Discover the latest advancements in energy conversion technologies used to develop modern sustainable energy techniques In Atomic and Nano Scale Materials for Advanced Energy Conversion, expert interdisciplinary researcher Dr. Zongyou Yin delivers a comprehensive overview of nano-to-atomic scale materials science, the development of advanced electrochemical, photochemical, photoelectrochemical, and photovoltaic energy conversion strategies, and the applications for sustainable water splitting and other technologies. The book offers readers cutting-edge information of two-dimensional nano, mixed-dimensional nano, nano rare earth, clusters, and single atoms. It constructively evaluates emerging nano-to-atomic scale energy conversion technologies for academic research and development (R&D) researchers and industrial technique consultants and engineers. The author sets out a systematic analysis of recent energy-conversion science, covering topics like adaptable manufacturing of Van der Waals heterojunctions, mixed-dimensional junctions, tandem structures, and superlattices. He also discusses function-oriented engineering in polymorphic phases, photon absorption, excitons-charges conversion, non-noble plasmonics, and solid-liquid-gas interactions. Readers will also benefit from: A thorough introduction to emerging nanomaterials for energy conversion, including electrochemical, photochemical, photoelectrochemical, and photovoltaic energy conversion An exploration of clusters for energy conversion, including electrochemical, photochemical, and photoelectrochemical clusters Practical discussions of single atoms for energy conversion in electrochemical, photochemical, and photoelectrochemical energy conversion technologies A thorough analysis of future perspectives and directions in advanced energy conversion technology Perfect for materials scientists, photochemists, electrochemists, and inorganic chemists, Atomic and Nano Scale Materials for Advanced Energy Conversion is also a must-read resource for catalytic chemists interested in the intersection of advanced chemistry and physics in energy conversion technologies.




Photonic Materials: Recent Advances and Emerging Applications


Book Description

This book is a review of photonic materials and their applications. It presents 14 chapters, that give a snapshot of the field including basic sciences (photonics, plasmonics, advanced optics, nanophotonics) and applications (renewable energy, fiber-optics, lasers and smart materials). The book starts with a summary of recent developments in photonic crystal (PC) applications. This introduction is followed by chapters that present design concepts and investigations of PC devices such as: - All-optical XOR gates using 2D photonic crystals - One-dimensional PCs containing germanium (Ge). - Graphene surface plasmonics - Nanophotonics and fiber-optic lasers - Chalcogenides - Bragg Fibers and more The broad range of topics make this an informative source on current and exciting photonics research, and the variety of photonic materials. It serves as a reference for graduate scholars (in physics and materials science) and allied researchers who have a keen interest in photonics.




Optical and Molecular Physics


Book Description

Optical and Molecular Physics: Theoretical Principles and Experimental Methods addresses many important applications and advances in the field. This book is divided into 5 sections: Plasmonics and carbon dots physics with applications Optical films, fibers, and materials Optical properties of advanced materials Molecular physics and diffusion Macromolecular physics Weaving together science and engineering, this new volume addresses important applications and advances in optical and molecular physics. It covers plasmonics and carbon dots physics with applications; optical films, fibers, and materials; optical properties of advanced materials; molecular physics and diffusion; and macromolecular physics. This book looks at optical materials in the development of composite materials for the functionalization of glass, ceramic, and polymeric substrates to interact with electromagnetic radiation and presents state-of-the-art research in preparation methods, optical characterization, and usage of optical materials and devices in various photonic fields. The authors discuss devices and technologies used by the electronics, magnetics, and photonics industries and offer perspectives on the manufacturing technologies used in device fabrication.




Nanomaterials for Innovative Energy Systems and Devices


Book Description

This book covers the latest research on applications of nanomaterials in the field of energy systems and devices. It provides an overview of the state-of-art research in this rapidly developing field. It discusses the design and fabrication of nanostructured materials and their energy applications. Various topics covered include nanomaterials for perovskite solar cells, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanocomposites based supercapacitors, battery materials and technologies, major challenges toward development of efficient thermoelectric materials for energy efficient devices, extraction and experimentation of biodiesel produced from leachate oils of landfills coupled with nano-additives aluminium oxide and copper oxide on diesel engine and many more. It has contributions from world-renowned specialists in the fields of nanomaterials and energy devices. The book will be useful for students, researchers and professionals working in the area of nanomaterials and energy systems & devices.




TiO2 Nanotube Arrays


Book Description

TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications is the first book to provide an overview of this rapidly growing field. Vertically oriented, highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays are unique and easily fabricated materials with an architecture that demonstrates remarkable charge transfer as well as photocatalytic properties. This volume includes an introduction to TiO2 nanotube arrays, as well as a description of the material properties and distillation of the current research. Applications considered include gas sensing, heterojunction solar cells, water photoelectrolysis, photocatalytic CO2 reduction, as well as several biomedical applications. Written by leading researchers in the field, TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications is a valuable reference for chemists, materials scientists and engineers involved with renewable energy sources, biomedical engineering, and catalysis, to cite but a few examples.




Perovskite Photovoltaics


Book Description

Perovskite Photovoltaics: Basic to Advanced Concepts and Implementation examines the emergence of perovskite photovoltaics, associated challenges and opportunities, and how to achieve broader development. Consolidating developments in perovskite photovoltaics, including recent progress solar cells, this text also highlights advances and the research necessary for sustaining energy. Addressing different photovoltaics fields with tailored content for what makes perovskite solar cells suitable, and including commercialization examples of large-scale perovskite solar technology. The book also contains a detailed analysis of the implementation and economic viability of perovskite solar cells, highlighting what photovoltaic devices need to be generated by low cost, non-toxic, earth abundant materials using environmentally scalable processes. This book is a valuable resource engineers, scientists and researchers, and all those who wish to broaden their knowledge on flexible perovskite solar cells. - Includes contributions by leading solar cell academics, industrialists, researchers and institutions across the globe - Addresses different photovoltaics fields with tailored content for what makes perovskite solar cells different - Provides commercialization examples of large-scale perovskite solar technology, giving users detailed analysis on the implementation, technical challenges and economic viability of perovskite solar cells




Advances in Graphic Communication, Printing and Packaging Technology and Materials


Book Description

This book includes a selection of reviewed papers presented at the 11th China Academic Conference on Printing and Packaging, held on November 26–29, 2020, Guangzhou, China. The conference is jointly organized by China Academy of Printing Technology and South China University of Technology. With 10 keynote talks and 200 presented papers on graphic communication and packaging technologies, the conference attracted more than 300 scientists. The proceedings cover the recent findings in color science and technology, image processing technology, digital media technology, mechanical and electronic engineering and numerical control, materials and detection, digital process management technology in printing and packaging, and other technologies. As such, the book is of interest to university researchers, R&D engineers and graduate students in the field of graphic arts, packaging, color science, image science, material science, computer science, digital media, network technology and smart manufacturing technology.




Fundamentals of Solar Cell Design


Book Description

Solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert light photons into electricity in photovoltaic energy conversion and can help to overcome the global energy crisis. Solar cells have many applications including remote area power systems, earth-orbiting satellites, wristwatches, water pumping, photodetectors and remote radiotelephones. Solar cell technology is economically feasible for commercial-scale power generation. While commercial solar cells exhibit good performance and stability, still researchers are looking at many ways to improve the performance and cost of solar cells via modulating the fundamental properties of semiconductors. Solar cell technology is the key to a clean energy future. Solar cells directly harvest energy from the sun’s light radiation into electricity are in an ever-growing demand for future global energy production. Solar cell-based energy harvesting has attracted worldwide attention for their notable features, such as cheap renewable technology, scalable, lightweight, flexibility, versatility, no greenhouse gas emission, environment, and economy friendly and operational costs are quite low compared to other forms of power generation. Thus, solar cell technology is at the forefront of renewable energy technologies which are used in telecommunications, power plants, small devices to satellites. Aiming at large-scale implementation can be manipulated by various types used in solar cell design and exploration of new materials towards improving performance and reducing cost. Therefore, in-depth knowledge about solar cell design is fundamental for those who wish to apply this knowledge and understanding in industries and academics. This book provides a comprehensive overview on solar cells and explores the history to evolution and present scenarios of solar cell design, classification, properties, various semiconductor materials, thin films, wafer-scale, transparent solar cells, and so on. It also includes solar cells’ characterization analytical tools, theoretical modeling, practices to enhance conversion efficiencies, applications and patents.