Book Description

This four volume set brings together for the first time in a singlereference work the fundamentals, principles and the currentstate-of-the-art in fuel cells. Its publication reflects theincreasing importance of and the rapidly growing rate of researchinto alternative, clean sources of energy. With internationally renowned Editors, International AdvisoryBoard members, and Contributors from academia and industry, itguides the reader from the foundations and fundamental principlesthrough to the latest technology and cutting-edge applications,ensuring a logical, consistent approach to the subject. The Handbook is divided into three main themes, covered in fourvolumes: Volume 1: "Fundamentals and Survey of Systems" Volume 2: "Fuel Cell Electrocatalysis" Volumes 3 and 4: "Fuel Cell Technology and Applications" Volume 1, "Fundamentals and Survey of Systems", provides thenecessary backg round information on fuel cells, including thefundamental principles such as the thermodyamics and kinetics offuel cell reactions, mass and heat transfer in fuel cells, and anoverview of the key principles of the most important types of fuelcell, and their related systems and applications. Volume 2, "Fuel Cell Electrocatalysis", is concerned with themost important basic phenomenon of fuel cell electrodes,electrocatalysis. It includes an introduction to the topic, and adetailed account of the theory. A number of the key practicalmethods used to study this phenomenon are discussed, as are anumber of the key surface reactions. Finally, a number of otherrelated topics associated with energy conversion are discussed. Volumes 3 and 4, "Fuel Cell Technology and Applications" openwith an overview of a range of sustainable energy supplies for fuelcell development. The key issue of fuel storage is considered indetail, before a detailed discussion of the most important types offuel cells and their applications is presented. Among these,polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell systems, alkaline fuel cellmodules and systems, phosphoric acid fuel cells, direct methanolfuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cellsare covered in depth. The use of fuel cells in a range of systemsis then considered, including portable systems, propulsion systemsand electric utility systems. In addition to domestic andindustrial systems, use of fuel cells in such novel environments asthe space shuttle and submarines is addressed. Finally, Volume 4closes with a discussion of the future prospects of fuel cellsystems. Comprising approximately 170 articles by more than 200contributors, "The Handbook of Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Technologyand Applications", will be an invaluable source of reference forall those working directly in this important and dynamic field, forelectrochemists, and for scientists, engineers and policy-makersinvolved in the quest for clean and sustainable energy sources.