Energy Possibilities


Book Description

Using the perspectives of science, technology, and society studies, this book grapples with questions stimulated by a concern that current energy policies and practices reflect neither the best interests of ordinary people nor decision-making consistent with the traditions and aspirations of democracy. Probing the depths of assumptions made in traditional analysis and assembling minority views, present practices come into focus as startlingly narrow social constructs amidst a vast unexplored terrain of material and socio-cultural possibilities. Questions of power and responsible action are pursued in this context, casting both traditional decision makers and citizens in less than a positive light. The author includes an examination of the experience of the "home power" movement not as "The Solution" to our energy problems, but as a concrete illustration of alternative theory and practice, and of the range of possibilities inherent in energy decisions. The book aims not at recommendations for prescriptive public policy, but primarily at refocusing the reader's attentions, as ultimate policy maker, on the core of the energy question: How do we wish to live in the world?




Hearings


Book Description




Acts


Book Description




Scanning Probe Microscopy For Energy Research: Materials, Devices, And Applications


Book Description

Efficiency and life time of solar cells, energy and power density of the batteries, and costs of the fuel cells alike cannot be improved unless the complex electronic, optoelectronic, and ionic mechanisms underpinning operation of these materials and devices are understood on the nanometer level of individual defects. Only by probing these phenomena locally can we hope to link materials structure and functionality, thus opening pathway for predictive modeling and synthesis. While structures of these materials are now accessible on length scales from macroscopic to atomic, their functionality has remained Terra Incognitae. In this volume, we provide a summary of recent advances in scanning probe microscopy studies of local functionality of energy materials and devices ranging from photovoltaics to batteries, fuel cells, and energy harvesting systems. Recently emergent SPM modes and combined SPM-electron microscopy approaches are also discussed. Contributions by internationally renowned leaders in the field describe the frontiers in this important field.




Hearings


Book Description







The Threat from Substandard Fasteners


Book Description










Paradigms of Titanate Centered Energy Materials


Book Description

Titanate-centered perovskites are an important class of crystalline materials with outstanding structural and property tunability. Recently, titanate perovskites have been extensively investigated as new-generation materials for various energy-allied applications, together with photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, photo detectors and lasers, for their exceptional optical and electronic properties. With increasing attention on the development of nanotechnology and multidisciplinary research, scientists have been trying to downscale the titanate perovskite structures into the nanoregime, so as to further boost their performances and applications. Compared with bulk perovskite materials, perovskite nanomaterials exhibit a series of advantages, such as fabrication of thin films and flexible devices and PNMs display high process ability. Perovskite nanomaterials feature rich and controllable facets and active sites. Besides benefiting from the small-size effect and quantum effect, perovskite nanomaterials are endowed with outstanding photo-electromagnetic properties. Furthermore, the applications of titanate-centered perovskites in the fields of energy, environment, WLEDs, forensic science and piezoelectric devices will be reviewed. This book will also discuss the possible solutions to the problems in their application by optimizing their compositions, structures and preparation methods. This book will systematically summarize the key points in the design, synthesis, property improvements and application expansion of titanate-centered perovskites. The different perovskite structures and the rational design of functional materials will be discussed in detail. The advantages, disadvantages and experimental parameters of different synthesis methods for titanate-centered perovskites will be reviewed. This book will also summarize some practical experiences in selecting suitable elements and designing multifunctional materials according to the mechanisms and principles of elements promoting the properties of perovskites by covering almost last 20 years of literature. At the end of this book, we will provide an outlook on the opportunities and challenges in the view of development in titanate-centered perovskites The inclusive effectiveness and practicality of prospective titanate energy materials and systems are directly connected to many materials-related factors. This volume of book features totally seven sections that envelop a wide range of titanate energy materials. They cover the modern developments involving materials for alternative and renewable energy sources and systems, including energy storage and batteries, nanocomposites, hydrogen, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and nuclear. The book is a significant orientation for students and researchers (from academics, but also industry) interested in understanding the properties of emerging titanate energy materials and challenges in the recent era.