Electrochemical Activation of Catalysis


Book Description

I knew nothing of the work of C. G. Vayenas on NEMCA until the early nineties. Then I learned from a paper of his idea (gas interface reactions could be catalyzed electrochemically), which seemed quite marvelous; but I did not understand how it worked. Consequently, I decided to correspond with Professor Vayenas in Patras, Greece, to reach a better understanding of this concept. I think that my early papers (1946, 1947, and 1957), on the relationship between the work function of metal surfaces and electron transfer reactions thereat to particles in solution, held me in good stead to be receptive to what Vayenas told me. As the electrode potential changes, so of course, does the work function at the interface, and gas metal reactions there involve adsorbed particles which have bonding to the surface. Whether electron transfer is complete in such a case, or whether the effect is on the desorption of radicals, the work function determines the strength of their bonding, and if one varies the work function by varying the electrode potential, one can vary the reaction rate at the interface. I got the idea. After that, it has been smooth sailing. Dr. Vayenas wrote a seminal article in Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry, Number 29, and brought the field into the public eye. It has since grown and its usefulness in chemical catalytic reactions has been demonstrated and verified worldwide.




Photosynthesis Research for Food, Fuel and Future


Book Description

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae and certain species of bacteria transform solar energy into chemical energy in the form of organic molecules. In fact, all life on the planet ultimately depends on photosynthetic energy conversion. The book provides a compressive and state-of-the-art of very recent progress on photosynthesis research. The topics span from atom to intact plants, from femtosecond reactions to season long production, from physics to agronomy. The book is to offer advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and research specialists the most recent advances in the all aspects of photosynthesis research. The book is intended to offer researchers detailed information on the most recent advances in all aspects of photosynthesis research. Tingyun Kuang is a professor at Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Academician of CAS; Congming Lu is a professor at Institute of Botany, CAS; Lixin Zhang is a professor at Institute of Botany, CAS and the Chief Scientist in the National Basic Research Program of China on photosynthesis.




Recent Advances in Electrochemical Promotion of Catalysis


Book Description

This contributed volume provides a critical review of research in the field of Electrochemical Promotion of Catalysis (EPOC). It presents recent developments during the past decade that have led to a better understanding of the field and towards applications of the EPOC concept. The chapters focus on the implementation of EPOC for developing sinter-resistant catalysts, catalysts for hydrogen production, ammonia production and carbon dioxide valorization. The book also highlights the developments towards electropromoted dispersed catalysts and for self-sustained electrochemical promotion which are currently expanding. This authoritative analysis of EPOC is useful for various scientific communities working at the interface of heterogeneous catalysis, solid state electrochemistry and materials science. It is of particular interest to groups whose research focuses on developments towards a better and more sustainable future.




Metal Electrodeposition


Book Description

Electrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical action of electricity and the production of electricity by chemical reactions. In a world short of energy sources yet long on energy use, electrochemistry is a critical component of the mix necessary to keep the world economies growing. Electrochemistry is involved with such important applications as batteries, fuel cells, corrosion studies, hydrogen energy conversion, and bioelectricity. Research on electrolytes, cells, and electrodes is within the scope of this old but extremely dynamic field. This book details advances in metal electrodeposition.




Electro-catalysis At Chemically Modified Solid Surfaces


Book Description

This book documents Professor Jacques Simonet's contribution to building new electrode materials and their related catalytic reactions. Research includes synthesis of new alloys of palladium, discovery of new composite electrodes (including gold- and silver-graphene) and the creation of new materials through judicious cathodic or anodic doping. Additionally, studies demonstrate the malleability and reactivity of previously unused precious and semi-precious metals for the creation of 2D and 3D catalytic materials. Studies key to innovative research show how transition metals may reversibly cathodically insert small size electro-active molecules such as CO2 and O2, and be applied to methods of depollution brought by carbon and nitrogen oxides.Written for practical use, Simonet has provided both theory and tools needed for those aiming to recreate and develop his experiments in electrochemical catalysis and surface modifications. This full publication of research gives graduate and post-graduate students of chemistry, electrochemistry and catalysis an in-depth insight into key historical and modern developments in the field.




Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Evolution


Book Description

The book starts with a theoretical understanding of electrocatalysis in the framework of density functional theory followed by a vivid review of oxygen reduction reactions. A special emphasis has been placed on electrocatalysts for a proton-exchange membrane-based fuel cell where graphene with noble metal dispersion plays a significant role in electron transfer at thermodynamically favourable conditions. The latter part of the book deals with two 2D materials with high economic viability and process ability and MoS2 and WS2 for their prospects in water-splitting from renewable energy.




Metal Nanocrystals


Book Description

Our society depends heavily on metals. They are ubiquitous construction materials, critical interconnects in integrated circuits, common coinage materials, and more. Excitingly, new uses for metals are emerging with the advent of nanoscience, as metal crystals with nanoscale dimensions can display new and tunable properties. The optical and photothermal properties of metal nanocrystals have led to cancer diagnosis and treatment platforms now in clinical trials, while, at the same time, the ability to tune the surface features of metal nanocrystals is giving rise to designer catalysts that enable more sustainable use of precious resources. These are just two examples of how metal nanocrystals are addressing important social needs.




Platinum Monolayer Electrocatalysts


Book Description

This book describes a science and technology of a new type of electrocatalysts consisting of a single atomic layer of platinum on suitable supports. This development helped overcome three major obstacles—catalysts‘ cost, activity, and stability—for a broad range of fuel cell applications. The volume begins with a short introduction to the science of electrocatalysis, covering four reactions important for energy conversion in fuel cells. A description follows of the properties of metal monolayers on electrode surfaces, and underpotential deposition of metals. The authors then describe the concept of Pt monolayer electrocatalysts and its implications and their synthesis by galvanic displacement of less-noble metal monolayers and other methods. The main part of the book presents a discussion of catalysts’ characterization and catalytic properties of Pt monolayers for the four main reactions of electrochemical energy conversion: oxygen reduction and oxidation of hydrogen, methanol and ethanol. The book concludes with a treatment of scale-up syntheses, fuel cell tests, catalysts’ stability and application prospects.




Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis


Book Description

The phenomenon of catalysis is found in many homogeneous and heterogeneous systems undergoing chemical change, where it effects the rates of approach to the equilibrium state in processes as diverse as those found in the stars, the earth's mantle, living organisms, and the various chemistries utilized by industry. The economies and the living standards of both developed and developing countries depend to varying degrees upon the efficacy of their chemical industries. Con sequently, this century has seen a wide exploration and expansion of catalytic chemistry together with an intensive investigation of specific, essential processes like those contributing to life-supporting agricultures. Prime among the latter must surely be the "fixation" of atmospheric nitrogen by catalytic hydrogenation to anhydrous ammonia, still the preferred synthetic precursor of the nitrogenous components of fertilizers. In each decade contemporary concepts and techniques have been used to further the understanding, as yet incomplete, of the catalyst, the adsorbates, the surface reactions, and the technology of large-scale operation. The contributors to the present volume review the state of the art, the science, and the technology; they reveal existing lacunae, and suggest ways forward. Around the turn of the century, Sabatier's school was extending the descriptive catalytic chemistry of hydrogenation by metals to include almost all types of multiple bond. The triple bond of dinitrogen, which continued to be more resistant than the somewhat similar bonds in carbon monoxide and ethyne, defied their efforts.




Atomic-Scale Modelling of Electrochemical Systems


Book Description

Atomic-Scale Modelling of Electrochemical Systems A comprehensive overview of atomistic computational electrochemistry, discussing methods, implementation, and state-of-the-art applications in the field The first book to review state-of-the-art computational and theoretical methods for modelling, understanding, and predicting the properties of electrochemical interfaces. This book presents a detailed description of the current methods, their background, limitations, and use for addressing the electrochemical interface and reactions. It also highlights several applications in electrocatalysis and electrochemistry. Atomic-Scale Modelling of Electrochemical Systems discusses different ways of including the electrode potential in the computational setup and fixed potential calculations within the framework of grand canonical density functional theory. It examines classical and quantum mechanical models for the solid-liquid interface and formation of an electrochemical double-layer using molecular dynamics and/or continuum descriptions. A thermodynamic description of the interface and reactions taking place at the interface as a function of the electrode potential is provided, as are novel ways to describe rates of heterogeneous electron transfer, proton-coupled electron transfer, and other electrocatalytic reactions. The book also covers multiscale modelling, where atomic level information is used for predicting experimental observables to enable direct comparison with experiments, to rationalize experimental results, and to predict the following electrochemical performance. Uniquely explains how to understand, predict, and optimize the properties and reactivity of electrochemical interfaces starting from the atomic scale Uses an engaging “tutorial style” presentation, highlighting a solid physicochemical background, computational implementation, and applications for different methods, including merits and limitations Bridges the gap between experimental electrochemistry and computational atomistic modelling Written by a team of experts within the field of computational electrochemistry and the wider computational condensed matter community, this book serves as an introduction to the subject for readers entering the field of atom-level electrochemical modeling, while also serving as an invaluable reference for advanced practitioners already working in the field.