This work revolves around the hydrogen economy and energy-storage electrochemical systems. More specifically, it investigates the possibility of using magnetron sputtering for deposition of efficient thin-film anode catalysts with low noble metal content for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEM-WEs) and unitized regenerative fuel cells (PEM-URFCs). The motivation for this research derives from the urgent need to minimize the price of such electrochemical devices should they enter the mass production. Numerous experiments were carried out, correlating the actual in-cell performance with the varying position of thin-film catalyst within the membrane electrode assembly, with the composition of high-surface support sublayer and with the chemical structure of the catalyst itself. The wide arsenal of analytical methods ranging from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy through electrochemical atomic force microscopy to photoelectron spectroscopy allowed the description of the complex phenomena behind different obtained efficiencies. Systematic optimizations led to the design of a novel PEM-WE anode thin-film iridium catalyst which performs similarly to the standard counterparts despite using just a fraction of their noble metal content. Moreover, the layer-by-layer approach resulted in the design of a Ir/TiC/Pt bi-functional anode for PEM-URFC which is able to operate in both the fuel cell and electrolyzer regime and thus helps to cut the cost of the whole conversion system even further.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of nanoscale electronics and systems packaging, and covers nanoscale structures, nanoelectronics packaging, nanowire applications in packaging, and offers a roadmap for future trends. Composite materials are studied for high-k dielectrics, resistors and inductors, electrically conductive adhesives, conductive "inks," underfill fillers, and solder enhancement. The book is intended for industrial and academic researchers, industrial electronics packaging engineers who need to keep abreast of progress in their field, and others with interests in nanotechnology. It surveys the application of nanotechnologies to electronics packaging, as represented by current research across the field.

This book serves as a self-contained reference source for engineers, materials scientists, and physicists with an interest in relaxation phenomena. It is made accessible to students and those new to the field by the inclusion of both elementary and advanced math techniques, as well as chapter opening summaries that cover relevant background information and enhance the book's pedagogical value. These summaries cover a wide gamut from elementary to advanced topics. The book is divided into three parts. The opening part, on mathematics, presents the core techniques and approaches. Parts II and III then apply the mathematics to electrical relaxation and structural relaxation, respectively. Part II discusses relaxation of polarization at both constant electric field (dielectric relaxation) and constant displacement (conductivity relaxation), topics that are not often discussed together. Part III primarily discusses enthalpy relaxation of amorphous materials within and below the glass transition temperature range. It takes a practical approach inspired by applied mathematics in which detailed rigorous proofs are eschewed in favor of describing practical tools that are useful to scientists and engineers. Derivations are however given when these provide physical insight and/or connections to other material. A self-contained reference on relaxation phenomena Details both the mathematical basis and applications For engineers, materials scientists, and physicists

This thesis describes novel strategies for the rational design of several cutting-edge high-efficiency photocatalysts, for applications such as water photooxidation, reduction, and overall splitting using a Z-Scheme system. As such, it focuses on efficient strategies for reducing energy loss by controlling charge transfer and separation, including novel faceted forms of silver phosphate for water photooxidation at record high rates, surface-basic highly polymerised graphitic carbon nitride for extremely efficient hydrogen production, and the first example of overall water splitting using a graphitic carbon nitride-based Z-Scheme system. Photocatalytic water splitting using solar irradiation can potentially offer a zero-carbon renewable energy source, yielding hydrogen and oxygen as clean products. These two 'solar' products can be used directly in fuel cells or combustion to provide clean electricity or other energy. Alternatively they can be utilised as separate entities for feedstock-based reactions, and are considered to be the two cornerstones of hydrogenation and oxidation reactions, including the production of methanol as a safe/portable fuel, or conventional catalytic reactions such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and ethylene oxide production. The main driving force behind the investigation is the fact that no photocatalyst system has yet reported combined high efficiency, high stability, and cost effectiveness; though cheap and stable, most suffer from low efficiency.

This book discusses the development of various reliable scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) imaging techniques for studying the distribution of biomarkers and nanomaterials in thin and thick animal samples, plant antioxidant (AO) defense systems, as well as human melanoma. The authors demonstrate that SECM could improve the diagnosis and understanding of different melanoma stages on the basis of highly resolved maps of the tyrosinase distribution. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme involved in fruit maturation and is a biomarker for melanoma. As such the book presents various tyrosinase SECM detection strategies developed for the analysis of the spatial distribution of tyrosinase in melanoma and in banana samples. It describes the first imaging of the redox active proteins within the entire mouse heart with an SECM system using a spider probe composed of eight independent microelectrodes. Further, it investigates distributions of injected graphene nanoribbons (GONRs) for drug delivery by Soft-Probe-SECM. Lastly, the book outlines a non-invasive electrochemical strategy for mapping the AO activity of apple peel using Soft-Probe-SECM.

This volume describes the most recent findings on the structure of ILs interpreted through cutting-edge experimental and theoretical methods. Research in the field of ionic liquids (ILs) keeps a fast and steady pace. Since these new-generation molten salts first appeared in the chemistry and physics landscape, a large number of new compounds has been synthesized. Most of them display unexpected behaviour and possess stunning properties. The coverage in this book ranges from the mesoscopic structure of ILs to their interaction with proteins. The reader will learn how diffraction techniques (small and large angle X-Ray and neutron scattering, powder methods), X-Ray absorption spectroscopies (EXAFS/XANES), optical methods (IR, RAMAN), NMR and calorimetric methods can help the study of ILs, both as neat liquids and in mixtures with other compounds. It will enable the reader to choose the best method to suit their experimental needs. A detailed survey of theoretical methods, both quantum-chemical and classical, and of their predictive power will accompany the exposition of experimental ones. This book is a must read for postgraduate students, for post-docs, and for researchers who are interested in understanding the structural properties of ILs.

"Eco- and Renewable Energy Materials" provides a survey of the current topics and the major developmental trends in the rapidly growing research area of clean energy materials. This book covers, but is not limited to, photochemical materials (fuels from light), fuel cells (electricity from fuels), batteries (electricity storage), and hydrogen production and storage. This book is intended as a vehicle for the dissemination of research results on energy-based material science in the form of commissioned reviews and commentaries. This book is for scientists and engineers interested in energy-related materials, compounds and electronic devices. Prof. Yong Zhou is currently serving as a full professor at the Eco-Materials and Renewable Energy Research Center (ERERC), Nanjing University, China.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a relatively new separation technique suitable for handling small amounts of sample very important in bioanalytical research and in various clinical, diagnostic, genetic, and forensic applications. In Capillary Electrophoresis of Biomolecules: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field provide key techniques to investigate CE focusing on simple and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides), aminoacids, peptides and proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Along with practical procedures, reviews discussing CE applications related to bio(macro)molecules are also included. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Capillary Electrophoresis of Biomolecules: Methods and Protocols provides the reader with the latest break throughs and improvements in CE and CE techniques applied to several classes of bio(macro)molecules.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage of progress in the major areas of chemical research. Written by experts in their specialist fields the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, supplying regular critical in-depth accounts of progress in particular areas of chemistry. For over 80 years the Royal Society of Chemistry and its predecessor, the Chemical Society, have been publishing reports charting developments in chemistry, which originally took the form of Annual Reports. However, by 1967 the whole spectrum of chemistry could no longer be contained within one volume and the series Specialist Periodical Reports was born. The Annual Reports themselves still existed but were divided into two, and subsequently three, volumes covering Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. For more general coverage of the highlights in chemistry they remain a 'must'. Since that time the SPR series has altered according to the fluctuating degree of activity in various fields of chemistry. Some titles have remained unchanged, while others have altered their emphasis along with their titles; some have been combined under a new name whereas others have had to be discontinued.

This comprehensive presentation of the integral equation method as applied to electro-analytical experiments is suitable for electrochemists, mathematicians and industrial chemists. The discussion focuses on how integral equations can be derived for various kinds of electroanalytical models. The book begins with models independent of spatial coordinates, goes on to address models in one dimensional space geometry and ends with models dependent on two spatial coordinates. Bieniasz considers both semi-infinite and finite spatial domains as well as ways to deal with diffusion, convection, homogeneous reactions, adsorbed reactants and ohmic drops. Bieniasz also discusses mathematical characteristics of the integral equations in the wider context of integral equations known in mathematics. Part of the book is devoted to the solution methodology for the integral equations. As analytical solutions are rarely possible, attention is paid mostly to numerical methods and relevant software. This book includes examples taken from the literature and a thorough literature overview with emphasis on crucial aspects of the integral equation methodology.

This book presents 50 selected peer-reviewed reports from the 2016 International Conference on "Physics and Mechanics of New Materials and Their Applications", PHENMA 2016 (Surabaya, Indonesia, 19-22 July, 2016). The Proceedings are devoted to processing techniques, physics, mechanics, and applications of advanced materials. As such, they examine a wide spectrum of nanostructures, ferroelectric crystals, materials and composites, as well as other promising materials with special properties. They present nanotechnology approaches, modern environmentally friendly piezoelectric and ferromagnetic techniques, and physical and mechanical studies of the structural and physical-mechanical properties of the materials discussed. Further, a broad range of original mathematical and numerical methods is applied to solve various technological, mechanical and physical problems, which are inte resting for applications. Great attention is devoted to novel devices with high accuracy, longevity and extended possibilities to work in wide temperature and pressure ranges, aggressive media, etc., which show improved characteristics, defined by the developed materials and composites, opening new possibilities to study different physico-mechanical processes and phenomena.

Batteries that can store electricity from solar and wind generation farms are a key component of a sustainable energy strategy. Featuring 15 peer-reviewed entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, this book presents a wide range of battery types and components, from nanocarbons for supercapacitors to lead acid battery systems and technology. Worldwide experts provides a snapshot-in-time of the state-of-the art in battery-related R&D, with a particular focus on rechargeable batteries. Such batteries can store electrical energy generated by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower installations with high efficiency and release it on demand. They are efficient, non-polluting, self-contained devices, and their components can be recovered and used to recreate battery systems. Coverage also highlights the significant efforts currently underway to adapt battery technology to power cars, trucks and buses in order to eliminate pollution from petroleum combustion. Written for an audience of undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and industry experts, Batteries for Sustainability is an invaluable one-stop reference to this essential area of energy technology.

This thesis addresses the introduction of redox mediator into lithium-oxygen batteries to improve their electrochemical performance especially in terms of practical energy density and round-trip efficiency. In chapter 1, basic electrochemistry regarding lithium-oxygen batteries and redox mediators are introduced. In chapter 2 to 4, comprehensive researches including the discovery of a new redox mediator inspired by biological system, the investigation on kinetic property of redox mediator, and the prevention of shuttle phenomenon are introduced, followed by chapter 5 summarizing the contents. This thesis is targeted to students and researchers interested in electrochemistry and energy storage systems.

Reference Electrodes are a crucial part of any electrochemical system, yet an up-to-date and comprehensive handbook is long overdue. Here, an experienced team of electrochemists provides an in-depth source of information and data for the proper choice and construction of reference electrodes. This includes all kinds of applications such as aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, ionic liquids, glass melts, solid electrolyte systems, and membrane electrodes. Advanced technologies such as miniaturized, conducting-polymer-based, screen-printed or disposable reference electrodes are also covered. Essential know-how is clearly presented and illustrated with almost 200 figures.

This thesis presents the fundamental research and latest findings on novel flexible/wearable photovoltaic technology, and comprehensively summarizes the rapid developments in flexible photovoltaics, from traditional planar solar cells to fiber solar cells. It discusses the rational design of fiber solar cell materials, electrodes and devices, as well as critical factors including cost, efficiency, flexibility and stability . Furthermore, it addresses fundamental theoretical principles and novel fabrication technologies and their potential applications. The book provides practical information for university researchers and graduate students interested in flexible fiber photovoltaics, and inspires them to design other novel flexible/wearable electronics and textiles.

Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) have a wide range of applications in clinical, environmental, food and pharmaceutical analysis as well as further uses in chemistry and life sciences. Based on his profound experience as a researcher in ISEs and a course instructor, the author summarizes current knowledge for advanced teaching and training purposes with a particular focus on ionophore-based ISEs. Coverage includes the basics of measuring with ISEs, essential membrane potential theory and a comprehensive overview of the various classes of ion-selective electrodes. The principles of constructing ISEs are outlined, and the transfer of methods into routine analysis is considered. Advanced students, researchers, and practitioners will benefit from this expedient introduction.

This book comprehensively outlines synchrotron-based X-ray imaging technologies and their associated applications in gaining fundamental insights into the physical and chemical properties as well as reaction mechanisms of energy materials. In this book the major X-ray imaging technologies utilised, depending on research goals and sample specifications, are discussed. With X-ray imaging techniques, the morphology, phase, lattice and strain information of energy materials in both 2D and 3D can be obtained in an intuitive way. In addition, due to the high penetration of X-rays, operando/in situ experiments can be designed to track the qualitative and quantitative changes of the samples during operation. This book will broader the reader's view on X-ray imaging techniques and inspire new ideas and possibilities in energy materials research.

This book presents an exhaustive overview of electrochemical sensors and biosensors for the analysis and monitoring of the most important analytes in the environmental field, in industry, in treatment plants and in environmental research. The chapters give the reader a comprehensive, state-of-the-art picture of the field of electrochemical sensors suitable to environmental analytes, from the theoretical principles of their design to their implementation, realization and application. The first three chapters discuss fundamentals, and the last three chapters cover the main groups of analytes of environmental interest.

Electrochemical Micromachining for Nanofabrication, MEMS and Nanotechnology is the first book solely dedicated to electrochemical micromachining (EMM). It begins with fundamentals, techniques, processes, and conditions, continuing with in-depth discussions of mechanisms of material removal, including an empirical model on the material removal rate for EMM (supported by experimental validation). The book moves next to construction-related features of EMM setup suitable for industrial micromachining applications, varying types of EMM, and the latest developments in the improvement of EMM setup. Further, it covers power supply, roll of electrolyte, and other major factors influencing EMM processes, and reports research findings concerning the improvement of machining accuracy and efficiency. Finally, the book devotes a chapter to the design and development of micro-tools, one of the most vital components in EMM.

This book provides an easily understandable introduction to solid state physics for chemists and engineers. Band theory is introduced as an extension of molecular orbital theory, and its application to organic materials is described. Phenomena beyond band theory are treated in relation to magnetism and electron correlation, which are explained in terms of the valence bond theory and the Coulomb and exchange integrals. After the fundamental concepts of magnetism are outlined, the relation of correlation and superconductivity is described without assuming a knowledge of advanced physics. Molecular design of organic conductors and semiconductors is discussed from the standpoint of oxidation-reduction potentials, and after a brief survey of organic superconductors, various applications of organic semiconductor devices are described. This book will be useful not only for researchers but also for graduate students as a valuable reference.

This book presents studies and discussions on anionic redox, which can be used to boost the capacities of cathode electrodes by providing extra electron transfer. This theoretically and practically significant book facilitates the implementation of anionic redox in electrodes for real-world use and accelerates the development of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, as energy storage systems, are playing a more and more important role in powering modern society. However, their energy density is still limited by the low specific capacity of the cathode electrodes. Based on a profound understanding of band theory, the author has achieved considerable advances in tuning the redox process of lithium-rich electrodes to obtain enhanced electrochemical performance, identifying both the stability mechanism of anionic redox in lithium-rich cathode materials, and its activation mechanism in these electrode systems.

The expected end of the "oil age" will lead to increasing focus and reliance on alternative energy conversion devices, among which fuel cells have the potential to play an important role. Not only can phosphoric acid and solid oxide fuel cells already efficiently convert today's fossil fuels, including methane, into electricity, but other types of fuel cells, such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, have the potential to become the cornerstones of a possible future hydrogen economy. Featuring 21 peer-reviewed entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, Fuel Cells offers concise yet comprehensive coverage of the current state of research and identifies key areas for future investigation. Internationally renowned specialists provide authoritative introductions to a wide variety of fuel cell types, and discuss materials, components, and systems for these technologies. The entries also cover sustainability and marketing considerations, including comparisons of fuel cells with alternative technologies.

This book reviews the current understanding of the mechanical, chemical and biological processes that are responsible for the degradation of a variety of implant materials. All 18 chapters will be written by internationally renowned experts to address both fundamental and practical aspects of research into the field. Different failure mechanisms such as corrosion, fatigue, and wear will be reviewed, together with experimental techniques for monitoring them, either in vitro or in vivo. Procedures for implant retrieval and analysis will be presented. A variety of biomaterials (stainless steels, titanium and its alloys, nitinol, magnesium alloys, polyethylene, biodegradable polymers, silicone gel, hydrogels, calcium phosphates) and medical devices (orthopedic and dental implants, stents, heart valves, breast implants) will be analyzed in detail. The book will serve as a broad reference source for graduate students and researchers studying biomedicine, corrosion, surface science, and electrochemistry.

In this thesis, real-time evolution of the nanopore channel growth and self-ordering process in anodic nanoporous alumina are simulated on the basis of an established kinetics model. The simulation results were in accordance with the experiments on the (i) growth sustainability of pore channels guided by pre-patterns; and (ii) substrate grain orientation dependence on self-ordering. In addition, a new fabrication method for the rapid synthesis of highly self-ordered nanoporous alumina is established, based on a systematic search for the self-ordering conditions in experiments. Lastly, it reports on a novel surface-charge induced strain in nanoporous alumina-aluminium foils, which indicates that nanoporous alumina can be used as a new type of actuating material in micro-actuator applications.