Molecular Catalysts for Energy Conversion


Book Description

Over the past decade the topic of energy and environment has been ackno- edged among many people as a critical issue to be solved in 21st century since the Kyoto Protocol came into e?ect in 1997. Its political recognition was put forward especially at Heiligendamm in 2007, when the e?ect of carbon dioxide emission and its hazard in global climate were discussed and shared univ- sallyascommonknowledge.Controllingtheglobalwarmingintheeconomical framework of massive development worldwide through this new century is a very challenging problem not only among political, economical, or social c- cles but also among technological or scienti?c communities. As long as the humans depend on the combustion of fossil for energy resources, the waste heat exhaustion and CO emission are inevitable. 2 In order to establish a new era of energy saving and environment benign society, which is supported by technologies and with social consensus, it is important to seek for a framework where new clean energy system is inc- porated as infrastructure for industry and human activities. Such a society strongly needs innovative technologies of least CO emission and e?cient en- 2 ergy conversion and utilization from remaining fossil energies on the Earth. Energy recycling system utilizing natural renewable energies and their c- version to hydrogen may be the most desirable option of future clean energy society. Thus the society should strive to change its energy basis, from foss- consuming energy to clean and recycling energy.




Molecular Catalysts


Book Description

Highlighting the key aspects and latest advances in the rapidly developing field of molecular catalysis, this book covers new strategies to investigate reaction mechanisms, the enhancement of the catalysts' selectivity and efficiency, as well as the rational design of well-defined molecular catalysts. The interdisciplinary author team with an excellent reputation within the community discusses experimental and theoretical studies, along with examples of improved catalysts, and their application in organic synthesis, biocatalysis, and supported organometallic catalysis. As a result, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the catalytic transformations, allowing them to adapt the knowledge to their own investigations. With its ideal combination of fundamental and applied research, this is an essential reference for researchers and graduate students both in academic institutions and in the chemical industry. With a foreword by Nobel laureate Roald Hoffmann.




Catalysis in Electrochemistry


Book Description

Catalysis in Electrochemistry: From Fundamental Aspects to Strategies for Fuel Cell Development is a modern, comprehensive reference work on catalysis in electrochemistry, including principles, methods, strategies, and applications. It points out differences between catalysis at gas/surfaces and electrochemical interfaces, along with the future possibilities and impact of electrochemical science on energy problems. This book contributes both to fundamental science; experience in the design, preparation, and characterization of electrocatalytic materials; and the industrial application of electrocatalytic materials for electrochemical reactions. This is an essential resource for scientists globally in academia, industry, and government institutions.




Direct Liquid Fuel Cells


Book Description

Direct Liquid Fuel Cells is a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and specificities of the use of methanol, ethanol, glycerol, formic acid and formate, dimethyl ether, borohydride, hydrazine and other promising liquid fuels in fuel cells. Each chapter covers a different liquid fuel-based fuel cell such as: Anode catalysts of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), future system designs and future trends for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), development of catalysts for direct glycerol fuel cells (DGFCs), the mechanisms of the reactions taking place at the anode and cathode electrodes, and the reported anode catalysts for direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) and direct formate fuel cell (DFFC), characteristics of direct dimethyl ether fuel cell (DDMEFC), including its electrochemical and operating systems and design, the developments in direct borohydride fuel cells, the development of catalysts for direct hydrazine fuel cells (DHFCs), and also the uncommonly used liquids that have a potential for fuel cell applications including 2-propanol, ethylene glycol, ascorbic acid and ascorbate studied in the literature as well as utilization of some blended fuels. In each part, the most recent literature is reviewed and the state of the art is presented. It also includes examples of practical problems with solutions and a summarized comparison of performance, advantages, and limitations of each type of fuel cell discussed. Direct Liquid Fuel Cells is not a typical textbook but rather designed as a reference book of which any level of students (undergraduate or graduate), instructors, field specialists, industry and general audience, who benefit from current and complete understanding of the many aspects involved in the development and operation of these types of fuel cells, could make use of any chapter when necessary. Presents information on different types of direct liquid fuel cells. Explores information under each section, for specific fuel-based fuel cells in more detail in terms of the materials used. Covers three main sections: direct alcohol, organic fuel-based and inorganic fuel-based fuel cells




Electrocatalysis in Fuel Cells


Book Description

Fuel cells are one of the most promising clean energy conversion devices that can solve the environmental and energy problems in our society. However, the high platinum loading of fuel cells - and thus their high cost - prevents their commercialization. Non- or low- platinum electrocatalysts are needed to lower the fuel cell cost. Electrocatalysis in Fuel Cells: A Non and Low Platinum Approach is a comprehensive book summarizing recent advances of electrocatalysis in oxygen reduction and alcohol oxidation, with a particular focus on non- and low-Pt electrocatalysts. All twenty four chapters were written by worldwide experts in their fields. The fundamentals and applications of novel electrocatalysts are discussed thoroughly in the book. The book is geared toward researchers in the field, postgraduate students and lecturers, and scientists and engineers at fuel cell and automotive companies. It can even be a reference book for those who are interested in this area.




PEM Fuel Cell Electrocatalysts and Catalyst Layers


Book Description

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are promising clean energy converting devices with high efficiency and low to zero emissions. Such power sources can be used in transportation, stationary, portable and micro power applications. The key components of these fuel cells are catalysts and catalyst layers. “PEM Fuel Cell Electrocatalysts and Catalyst Layers” provides a comprehensive, in-depth survey of the field, presented by internationally renowned fuel cell scientists. The opening chapters introduce the fundamentals of electrochemical theory and fuel cell catalysis. Later chapters investigate the synthesis, characterization, and activity validation of PEM fuel cell catalysts. Further chapters describe in detail the integration of the electrocatalyst/catalyst layers into the fuel cell, and their performance validation. Researchers and engineers in the fuel cell industry will find this book a valuable resource, as will students of electrochemical engineering and catalyst synthesis.




Bioelectrochemistry


Book Description

Bioelectrochemistry is a fast growing field linking together electrochemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry and analytical chemistry. The current book outlines the recent progress in the area and the applications in biological materials design and bioenergy, covering in particular biosensors, bioelectronic devices, biofuel cells, biodegradable batteries and biomolecule-based computing.




PEM Fuel Cells


Book Description

PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of PEM fuel cell, their working condition and application, and the latest breakthroughs and challenges for fuel cell technology. Each chapter follows a systematic and consistent structure with clear illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding. The opening chapters address the basics of PEM technology; stacking and membrane electrode assembly for PEM, degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts, platinum dissolution and redeposition, carbon-support corrosion, bipolar plates and carbon nanotubes for the PEM, and gas diffusion layers. Thermodynamics, operating conditions, and electrochemistry address fuel cell efficiency and the fundamental workings of the PEM. Instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis are then presented alongside practical tests. Dedicated chapters explain how to use MATLAB and COMSOL to conduct simulation and modeling of catalysts, gas diffusion layers, assembly, and membrane. Degradation and failure modes are discussed in detail, providing strategies and protocols for mitigation. High-temperature PEMs are also examined, as are the fundamentals of EIS. Critically, the environmental impact and life cycle of the production and storage of hydrogen are addressed, as are the risk and durability issues of PEMFC technology. Dedicated chapters are presented on the economics and commercialization of PEMFCs, including discussion of installation costs, initial capital costs, and the regulatory frameworks; apart from this, there is a separate chapter on their application to the automotive industry. Finally, future challenges and applications are considered. PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides an in-depth and comprehensive reference on every aspect of PEM fuel cells fundamentals, ideal for researchers, graduates, and students. - Presents the fundamentals of PEM fuel cell technology, electrolytes, membranes, modeling, conductivity, recent trends, and future applications - Addresses commercialization, public policy, and the environmental impacts of PEMFC in dedicated chapters - Presents state-of-the-art PEMFC research alongside the underlying concepts




Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Catalysis


Book Description

Global experts provide an authoritative source of information on the use of electrochemical fuel cells, and in particular discuss the use of nanomaterials to enhance the performance of existing energy systems. The book covers the state of the art in the design, preparation, and engineering of nanoscale functional materials as effective catalysts for fuel cell chemistry, highlights recent progress in electrocatalysis at both fuel cell anode and cathode, and details perspectives and challenges in future research.




Bio-inspired Polymers


Book Description

Many key aspects of life are based on naturally occurring polymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins and DNA. Unsurprisingly, their molecular functionalities, macromolecular structures and material properties are providing inspiration for designing new polymeric materials with specific functions, for example, responsive, adaptive and self-healing materials. Bio-inspired Polymers covers all aspects of the subject, ranging from the synthesis of novel polymers, to structure-property relationships, materials with advanced properties and applications of bio-inspired polymers in such diverse fields as drug delivery, tissue engineering, optical materials and lightweight structural materials. Written and edited by leading experts on the topic, the book provides a comprehensive review and essential graduate level text on bio-inspired polymers for biochemists, materials scientists and chemists working in both industry and academia.