Neutron Applications in Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences


Book Description

Neutron Applications in Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences offers a comprehensive overview of the wide ranging applications of neutron scattering techniques to elucidate the fundamental materials properties at the nano-, micro- and meso-scale, which underpin research in the related fields of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences. Introductions to neutron scattering fundamentals and instrumentation are paired with a thorough review of the applications to a large variety of scientific and technological problems, written through the direct experience of leading scientists in each field. Tailored to a wide audience, this volume provides the novice with an inspiring introduction and stimulates the expert to consider these non-conventional problem solving techniques in his/her field of interest. Earth and environmental scientists, engineers, researchers and graduate students involved with materials science will find Neutron Applications in Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences a valuable ready-to-use reference.




Neutron Applications in Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences


Book Description

Neutron Applications in Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences offers a comprehensive overview of the wide ranging applications of neutron scattering techniques to elucidate the fundamental materials properties at the nano-, micro- and meso-scale, which underpin research in the related fields of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences. Introductions to neutron scattering fundamentals and instrumentation are paired with a thorough review of the applications to a large variety of scientific and technological problems, written through the direct experience of leading scientists in each field. Tailored to a wide audience, this volume provides the novice with an inspiring introduction and stimulates the expert to consider these non-conventional problem solving techniques in his/her field of interest. Earth and environmental scientists, engineers, researchers and graduate students involved with materials science will find Neutron Applications in Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences a valuable ready-to-use reference.




Small-Angle Scattering from Confined and Interfacial Fluids


Book Description

This book examines the meso- and nanoscopic aspects of fluid adsorption in porous solids using a non-invasive method of small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). Starting with a brief summary of the basic assumptions and results of the theory of small-angle scattering from porous media, the author focuses on the practical aspects and methodology of the ambient and high pressure SANS and SAXS experiments and corresponding data analysis. It is illustrated with results of studies of the vapor and supercritical fluid adsorption in porous materials published during the last decade, obtained both for man-made materials (e.g. porous fractal silica, Vycor glass, activated carbon) and geological samples (e.g. sandstones, shales and coal). In order to serve the needs of broad readership, the results are presented in the relevant context (e.g. petroleum exploration, anthropogenic carbon capture and sequestration, ion adsorption in supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, etc.).




Neutron Applications in Materials for Energy


Book Description

Neutron Applications in Materials for Energy collects results and conclusions of recent neutron-based investigations of materials that are important in the development of sustainable energy. Chapters are authored by leading scientists with hands-on experience in the field, providing overviews, recent highlights, and case-studies to illustrate the applicability of one or more neutron-based techniques of analysis. The theme follows energy production, storage, and use, but each chapter, or section, can also be read independently, with basic theory and instrumentation for neutron scattering being outlined in the introductory chapter. Whilst neutron scattering is extensively used to understand properties of condensed matter, neutron techniques are exceptionally-well suited to studying how the transport and binding of energy and charge-carrying molecules and ions are related to their dynamics and the material’s crystal structure. These studies extend to in situ and in operando in some cases. The species of interest in leading energy-technologies include H2, H+, and Li+ which have particularly favourable neutron-scattering properties that render these techniques of analysis ideal for such studies and consequently, neutron-based analysis is common-place for hydrogen storage, fuel-cell, catalysis, and battery materials. Similar research into the functionality of solar cell, nuclear, and CO2 capture/storage materials rely on other unique aspects of neutron scattering and again show how structure and dynamics provide an understanding of the material stability and the binding and mobility of species of interest within these materials. Scientists and students looking for methods to help them understand the atomic-level mechanisms and behaviour underpinning the performance characteristics of energy materials will find Neutron Applications in Materials for Energy a valuable resource, whilst the wider audience of sustainable energy scientists, and newcomers to neutron scattering should find this a useful reference.




Dynamics of Soft Matter


Book Description

Dynamics of Soft Matter: Neutron Applications provides an overview of neutron scattering techniques that measure temporal and spatial correlations simultaneously, at the microscopic and/or mesoscopic scale. These techniques offer answers to new questions arising at the interface of physics, chemistry, and biology. Knowledge of the dynamics at these levels is crucial to understanding the soft matter field, which includes colloids, polymers, membranes, biological macromolecules, foams, emulsions towards biological & biomimetic systems, and phenomena involving wetting, friction, adhesion, or microfluidics. Emphasizing the complementarities of scattering techniques with other spectroscopic ones, this volume also highlights the potential gain in combining techniques such as rheology, NMR, light scattering, dielectric spectroscopy, as well as synchrotron radiation experiments. Key areas covered include polymer science, biological materials, complex fluids and surface science.




Adsorption through Advanced Nanoscale Materials


Book Description

Adsorption through Advanced Nanoscale Materials: Applications in Environmental Remediation brings together the latest developments in the utilization of advanced nanoadsorbents in wastewater treatment, pollution control, removal and remediation, gas separation and other environmental applications. The book begins by providing an overview of absorption, adsorbents and nanoadsorbents, introducing properties, classification, synthesis, characterization, enhancement of adsorption capabilities, principles and advantages and disadvantages of nanoadsorbents. Other sections cover the preparation of advanced nanoadsorbents based on specific materials for wastewater treatment, including adsorbents incorporating carbon nanotubes, graphene and graphene oxide, carbon dots and fullerene, polymer nanocomposites, metal oxides, nanoclay, nanofillers, and filtration membranes. Final sections examine the role of nanoadsorbents in broader environmental applications, including areas such as pollution control and removal and gas separation. Finally, other important considerations are studied, including toxicity and health impact, ecotoxicological effects, commercialization and economic issues, challenges and research gaps, trends, and future opportunities. - Provides in-depth coverage of nanoadsorbents for a range of targeted environmental applications - Covers, in detail, fundamentals such as synthesis methods, characterization and inhibition mechanisms - Addresses key areas such as toxicity, health impact, research gaps, trends and commercialization




Thermodynamic Properties of Solids


Book Description

Recent years have seen a growing interest in the field of thermodynamic properties of solids due to the development of advanced experimental and modeling tools. Predicting structural phase transitions and thermodynamic properties find important applications in condensed matter and materials science research, as well as in interdisciplinary research involving geophysics and Earth Sciences. The present edited book, with contributions from leading researchers around the world, is aimed to meet the need of academic and industrial researchers, graduate students and non-specialists working in these fields. The book covers various experimental and theoretical techniques relevant to the subject.




Neutron Imaging and Applications


Book Description

Neutron Imaging and Applications offers an introduction to the basics of neutron beam production in addition to the wide scope of techniques that enhance imaging application capabilities. An instructional overview of neutron sources, detectors, optics and spin-filters allows readers to delve more deeply into the discussions of radiography, tomography and prospective applications available in neutron holography techniques. A section devoted to current applications describes imaging single grains in polycrystalline materials, neutron imaging of geological materials and other materials science and engineering areas. Coverage of thermal neutron imaging of biological tissues, plant physiology, Homeland Security and contraband detection explore the future prospects of this cutting-edge research. Written by key experts in the field, researchers and engineers involved with imaging technologies will find Neutron Imaging and Applications a valuable reference.




Handbook Of Porous Materials: Synthesis, Properties, Modeling And Key Applications (In 4 Volumes)


Book Description

This four-volume handbook gives a state-of-the-art overview of porous materials, from synthesis and characterization and simulation all the way to manufacturing and industrial applications. The editors, coming from academia and industry, are known for their didactic skills as well as their technical expertise. Coordinating the efforts of 37 expert authors in 14 chapters, they construct the story of porous carbons, ceramics, zeolites and polymers from varied viewpoints: surface and colloidal science, materials science, chemical engineering, and energy engineering. Volumes 1 and 2 cover the fundamentals of preparation, characterisation, and simulation of porous materials. Working from the fundamentals all the way to the practicalities of industrial production processes, the subjects include hierarchical materials, in situ and operando characterisation using NMR, X-Ray scattering and tomography, state-of-the-art molecular simulations of adsorption and diffusion in crystalline nanoporous materials, as well as the emerging areas of bio-artificing and drug delivery. Volume 3 focuses on porous materials in industrial separation applications, including adsorption separation, membrane separation, and osmotic distillation. Finally, and highly relevant to tomorrow's energy challenges, Volume 4 explains the energy engineering aspects of applying porous materials in supercapacitors, fuel cells, batteries, electrolysers and sub-surface energy applications.The text contains many high-quality colourful illustrations and examples, as well as thousands of up-to-date references to peer-reviewed articles, reports and websites for further reading. This comprehensive and well-written handbook is a must-have reference for universities, research groups and companies working with porous materials.Related Link(s)




Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation


Book Description

Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation: Techniques and Case Studies for Environmental Pollution, Second Edition describes the successful application of microbes and their derivatives for bioremediation of potentially toxic and relatively novel compounds in the environment. Our natural biodiversity and environment is in danger due to the release of continuously emerging potential pollutants by anthropogenic activities. Though many attempts have been made to eradicate and remediate these noxious elements, thousands of xenobiotics of relatively new entities emerge every day, thus worsening the situation. Primitive microorganisms are highly adaptable to toxic environments, and can reduce the load of toxic elements by their successful transformation and remediation. This completely updated new edition presents many new technologies and techniques and includes theoretical context and case studies in every chapter. Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation: Techniques and Case Studies for Environmental Pollution, Second Edition serves as a single-source reference and encompasses all categories of pollutants and their applications in a convenient, comprehensive format for researchers in environmental science and engineering, pollution, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology. - Describes many novel approaches of microbial bioremediation including genetic engineering, metagenomics, microbial fuel cell technology, biosurfactants and biofilm-based bioremediation - Introduces relatively new hazardous elements and their bioremediation practices including oil spills, military waste water, greenhouse gases, polythene wastes, and more - Provides the most advanced techniques in the field of bioremediation, including insilico approach, microbes as pollution indicators, use of bioreactors, techniques of pollution monitoring, and more - Completely updated and expanded to include topics and techniques such as genetically engineered bacteria, environmental health, nanoremediation, heavy metals, contaminant transport, and in situ and ex situ methods - Includes theoretical context and case studies within each chapter