This book provides a comprehensive overview of engineering nanostructures mediated by functional polymers in combination with optimal synthesis and processing techniques. The focus is on polymer-engineered nanostructures for advanced energy applications. It discusses a variety of polymers that function as precursors, templates, nano-reactors, surfactants, stabilizers, modifiers, dopants, and spacers for directing self-assembly, assisting organization, and templating growth of numerous diverse nanostructures. It also presents a wide range of polymer processing techniques that enable the efficient design and optimal fabrication of nanostructured polymers, inorganics, and organic-inorganic nanocomposites using in-situ hybridization and/or ex-situ recombination methodologies. Combining state-of-the-art knowledge from polymer-guided fabrication of advanced nanostructures and their unique properties, it especially highlights the new, cutting-edge breakthroughs, future horizons, and insights into such nanostructured materials in applications such as photovoltaics, fuel cells, thermoelectrics, piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics, batteries, supercapacitors, photocatalysis, and hydrogen generation and storage. It offers an instructive and approachable guide to polymer-engineered nanostructures for further development of advanced energy materials to meet ever-increasing global energy demands. Interdisciplinary and broad perspectives from internationally respected contributors ensure this book serves as a valuable reference source for scientists, students, and engineers working in polymer science, renewable energy materials, materials engineering, chemistry, physics, surface/interface science, and nanotechnology. It is also suitable as a textbook for universities, institutes, and industrial institutions.

This volume provides expert coverage of the state-of-the-art in sol-gel materials for functional applications in energy, environment and electronics. The use of sol-gel technology has become a hotbed for cutting edge developments in many fields due to the accessibility of advanced materials through low energy processes. The book offers a broad view of this growing research area from basic science through high-level applications with the potential for commercialization and industrial use. Taking an integrated approach, expert chapters present a wide range of topics, from photocatalysts, solar cells and optics, to thin films and materials for energy storage and conversion, demonstrating the combined use of chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering in the search for solutions to some of the most challenging problems of our time.

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of various carbon allotropes (e.g., graphene oxide/graphene, graphene foam (GF), GF/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrids) and their composites for electrochemical energy storage applications. The coverage ranges from materials synthesis to electrochemical analysis, to state-of-the-art electrochemical energy storage devices, and demonstrates how electrochemical characterization techniques can be integrated and applied in the active materials selection and nanostructure design process. Readers will also discover the latest findings on graphene-based electrochemical energy storage devices including asymmetric supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries and flexible Ni/Fe batteries. Given the unique experimental procedures and methods, the systematic electrochemical analysis, and the creative flexible energy storage device design presented, the thesis offers a valuable reference guide for researchers and newcomers to the field of carbon-based electrochemical energy storage.

This book focuses on novel reduced cell and stack models for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and planar solid oxide fuel cells (P-SOFCs) that serve to reduce the computational cost by two orders of magnitude or more with desired numerical accuracy, while capturing both the average properties and the variability of the dependent variables in the 3D counterparts. The information provided can also be applied to other kinds of plate-type fuel cells whose flow fields consist of parallel plain channels separated by solid ribs. These fast and efficient models allow statistical sensitivity analysis for a sample size in the order of 1000 without prohibitive computational cost to be performed to investigate not only the individual, but also the simultaneous effects of a group of varying geometrical, material, and operational parameters. This provides important information for cell/stack design, and to illustrate this, Monte Carlo simulation of the reduced P-SOFC model is conducted at both the single-cell and stack levels.

This book discusses the physics of the dynamics of ions in various ionically conducting materials, and applications including electrical energy generation and storage. The experimental techniques for measurements and characterization, molecular dynamics simulations, the theories of ion dynamics, and applications are all addressed by the authors, who are experts in their fields. The experimental techniques of measurement and characterization of dynamics of ions in glassy, crystalline, and liquid ionic conductors are introduced with the dual purpose of introducing the reader to the experimental activities of the field, and preparing the reader to understand the physical quantities derived from experiments. These experimental techniques include calorimetry, conductivity relaxation, nuclear magnetic resonance, light scattering, neutron scattering, and others. Methods of molecular dynamics simulations are introduced to teach the reader to utilize the technique for practical applications to specific problems. The results elucidate the dynamics of ions on some issues that are not accessible by experiments. The properties of ion dynamics in glassy, crystalline and liquid ionic conductors brought forth by experiments and simulations are shown to be universal, i.e. independent of physical and chemical structure of the ionic conductor as long as ion-ion interaction is the dominant factor. Moreover these universal properties of ion dynamics are shown to be isomorphic to other complex interacting systems including the large class of glass-forming materials with or without ionic conductivity.By covering the basic concepts, theories/models, experimental techniques and data, molecular dynamics simulations, and relating them together, Dynamics of Glassy, Crystalline and Liquid Ionic Conductors will be of great interest to many in basic and applied research areas from the broad and diverse communities of condensed matter physicists, chemists, materials scientists and engineers. The book also provides the fundamentals for an introduction to the field and it is written in such a way that can be used for teaching courses either at the undergraduate or graduate level in academic institutions.

This book focuses on the design, fabrication and applications of carbon-based materials for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. It provides insights into the localized electrochemical transition of the "solid-solid" reaction instead of the "sulfur-polysulfides-lithium sulfides" reaction through the desolvation effect in subnanometer pores; demonstrates that the dissolution/diffusion of polysulfide anions in electrolyte can be greatly reduced by the strong binding of sulfur to the oxygen-containing groups on reduced graphene oxide; manifests that graphene foam can be used as a 3D current collector for high sulfur loading and high sulfur content cathodes; and presents the design of a unique sandwich structure with pure sulfur between two graphene membranes as a very simple but effective approach to the fabrication of Li-S batteries with ultrafast charge/discharge rates and long service lives. The book offers an invaluable resource for researchers, scientists, and engineers in the field of energy storage, providing essential insights, useful methods, and practical ideas that can be considered for the industrial production and future application of Li-S batteries.

This book presents the proceedings of the International Conference on Recent Trends in Materials and Devices, which was conceived as a major contribution to large-scale efforts to foster Indian research and development in the field in close collaboration with the community of non-resident Indian researchers from all over the world. The research articles collected in this volume - selected from among the submissions for their intrinsic quality and originality, as well as for their potential value for further collaborations - document and report on a wide range of recent and significant results for various applications and scientific developments in the areas of Materials and Devices. The technical sessions covered include photovoltaics and energy storage, semiconductor materials and devices, sensors, smart and polymeric materials, optoelectronics, nanotechnology and nanomaterials, MEMS and NEMS, as well as emerging technologies.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of Lithium (Li) metal anodes for rechargeable batteries. Li is an ideal anode material for rechargeable batteries due to its extremely high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh g-1), low density (0.59 g cm-3), and the lowest negative electrochemical potential ( 3.040 V vs. standard hydrogenelectrodes). Unfortunately, uncontrollable dendritic Li growth and limited Coulombic efficiency during Li deposition/stripping inherent in these batteries have prevented their practical applications over the past 40 years. With the emergence of post Liion batteries, safe and efficient operation of Li metal anodes has become an enabling technology which may determine the fate of several promising candidates for the next generation energy storage systems, including rechargeable Li-air batteries, Li-S batteries, and Li metal batteries which utilize intercalation compounds as cathodes. In this work, various factors that affect the morphology and Coulombic efficiency of Li anodes are analyzed. The authors also present the technologies utilized to characterize the morphology of Li deposition and the results obtained by modeling of Li dendrite growth. Finally, recent developments, especially the new approaches that enable safe and efficient operation of Li metal anodes at high current densities are reviewed. The urgent need and perspectives in this field are also discussed. The fundamental understanding and approaches presented in this work will be critical for the applicationof Li metal anodes. The general principles and approaches can also be used in other metal electrodes and general electrochemical deposition of metal films.

This brief reviews the fundamentals, recent developments, challenges and prospects of Li-S and Li-O2 batteries, including fundamental research and potential applications. It starts with a brief overview encompassing the current state of Li-S and Li-O2 battery technology. It then provides general information on Li-S and Li-O2 batteries, including the electrochemical processes and battery components. The following sections focus on the historical and recent development of Li-S and Li-O2 batteries respectively, offering detailed insights into the key material development, cell assembly, diagnostic test and mechanism of electrolyte decomposition. Lastly, it focuses on the main promising applications of Li-S and Li-O2 batteries together with their challenges and potential

Thermochemical gas-solid reactions, as well as adsorption processes, are currently of significant interest for the design of heat storage systems. This book provides detailed models of these reactions and processes that account for heat and mass transport, chemical and physical reactions, and possible local thermal non-equilibrium. The underlying scientific theory behind the models is explained, laboratory tests are simulated, and methods for high-performance computing are discussed. Applications ranging from seasonal domestic heat storage to diurnally operating systems in concentrating solar power facilities are considered in these models, which are not available through any other sources. Finally, an outlook on future developments highlights emerging technologies.

The brief gives a comprehensive overview of the polysaccharide applications in the field of battery materials. Included is a historic overview as well as recent developments in the field including new battery types and chemistries. Written in an accessible style by academics, it is aimed at those new to the field as well as individuals who have interest in novel polysaccharide applications. Aimed at advanced undergraduates, academic and industrial researchers and professionals studying or using biobased polymers.

This book is in the field of Engineering Thermophysics. It first introduces the authors’ academic thoughts of photo-thermal energy cascade conversion in the fuel combustion. Afterward, a series of thermal radiation theories and models have been developed based on the aim of radiative energy utilization, including spectral radiation available energy theory, gas radiation model under complex combustion conditions, and calculation model of radiation available energy transfer in combustion medium. Based on simulation and experimental results, the radiative energy characteristics of different fuel combustion are introduced. This book develops the radiation theory of the combustion process from a new perspective, integrating theories, models, and experimental results. This book can be used as a reference for scientists, engineers, and graduate students engaged in energy environment, combustion, and thermal radiation.

In this book, effective computational methods to facilitate those pivotal simulations using open-source software are introduced and discussed with a special focus on the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of the rock salt. A cohesive coverage of applying geotechnical modeling to the subsurface storage of hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources is accompanied by specific, reproducible example simulations to provide the reader with direct access to this fascinating and important field. Energy carriers such as natural gas, hydrogen, oil, and even compressed air can be stored in subsurface geological formations such as depleted oil or gas reservoirs, aquifers, and caverns in salt rock. Many challenges have arisen in the design, safety and environmental impact assessment of such systems, not the least of which is that large-scale experimentation is not a feasible option. Therefore, simulation techniques are central to the design and risk assessment of these and similar geotechnical facilities.

This book describes the stochastic and predictive control modelling of electrical systems that can meet the challenge of forecasting energy requirements under volatile conditions. The global electrical grid is expected to face significant energy and environmental challenges such as greenhouse emissions and rising energy consumption due to the electrification of heating and transport. Today, the distribution network includes energy sources with volatile demand behaviour, and intermittent renewable generation. This has made it increasingly important to understand low voltage demand behaviour and requirements for optimal energy management systems to increase energy savings, reduce peak loads, and reduce gas emissions. Electrical load forecasting is a key tool for understanding and anticipating the highly stochastic behaviour of electricity demand, and for developing optimal energy management systems. Load forecasts, especially of the probabilistic variety, can support more informed planning and management decisions, which will be essential for future low carbon distribution networks. For storage devices, forecasts can optimise the appropriate state of control for the battery. There are limited books on load forecasts for low voltage distribution networks and even fewer demonstrations of how such forecasts can be integrated into the control of storage. This book presents material in load forecasting, control algorithms, and energy saving and provides practical guidance for practitioners using two real life examples: residential networks and cranes at a port terminal.

This book describes various carbon nanomaterials and their unique properties, and offers a detailed introduction to graphene-carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrids. It demonstrates strategies for the hybridization of CNTs with graphene, which fully utilize the synergistic effect between graphene and CNTs. It also presents a wide range of applications of graphene-CNT hybrids as novel materials for energy storage and environmental remediation. Further, it discusses the preparation, structures and properties of graphene-CNT hybrids, providing interesting examples of three types of graphene-CNT hybrids with different nanostructures. This book is of interest to a wide readership in various fields of materials science and engineering.

This book presents contributions to the topics of materials for energy infrastructure with a focus on data and informatics for materials. This spectrum of topics has been chosen because challenges in terms of materials are identified to lie in transport and storage of energy, adequate supply of food and water, well-working infrastructure, materials for medical application and health, efficient use of scarce resources or elements and alternate materials solutions as well as recycling. The contributions were invited at the 4th WMRIF Young Materials Scientist Workshop held at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado, USA during September 8-10, 2014.

This edited volume presents research results of the PPP European Green Vehicle Initiative (EGVI), focusing on electric vehicle batteries. Electrification is one road towards sustainable road transportation, and battery technology is one of the key enabling technologies. However, at the same time, battery technology is one of the main obstacles for a broad commercial launch of electric vehicles. This book includes research contributions which try to bridge the gap between research and innovation in the field of battery technology for electric vehicles. The target audience primarily comprises researchers and experts in the field.

This second edition of the highly successful dictionary offers more than 300 new or revised terms. A distinguished panel of electrochemists provides up-to-date, broad and authoritative coverage of 3000 terms most used in electrochemistry and energy research as well as related fields, including relevant areas of physics and engineering. Each entry supplies a clear and precise explanation of the term and provides references to the most useful reviews, books and original papers to enable readers to pursue a deeper understanding if so desired. Almost 600 figures and illustrations elaborate the textual definitions. The "Electrochemical Dictionary" also contains biographical entries of people who have substantially contributed to electrochemistry. From reviews of the first edition: 'the creators of the Electrochemical Dictionary have done a laudable job to ensure that each definition included here has been defined in precise terms in a clear and readily accessible style' (The Electric Review) 'It is a must for any scientific library, and a personal purchase can be strongly suggested to anybody interested in electrochemistry' (Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry) 'The text is readable, intelligible and very well written' (Reference Reviews)

This PhD thesis presents the latest findings on the tunable surface chemistry of graphene/graphene oxide by systematically investigating the tuning of oxygen and nitrogen containing functional groups using an innovative carbonization and ammonia treatment. In addition, novel macroscopic assemblies or hybrids of graphene were produced, laying the theoretical foundation for developing graphene-based energy storage devices. This work will be of interest to university researchers, R&D engineers and graduate students working with carbon materials, energy storage and nanotechnology.

Metallic nanoparticles hold promise for their potential applications in a wide array of disciplines ranging from materials science to medicine. This book brings the power of theoretical methods to an audience of experimentalists, and explicates the simulation of metallic clusters and nanoparticles. It begins with a summary of the current state of research on metallic nanoparticles, then moves on to the current state of the art in theory of metallic nanoparticldes, and then explains why and how these tools help experimentalists. Contributions are provided by renowned experts in the field from across the world.

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.

The book focuses on the solid-state physics, chemistry and electrochemistry that are needed to grasp the technology of and research on high-power Lithium batteries. After an exposition of fundamentals of lithium batteries, it includes experimental techniques used to characterize electrode materials, and a comprehensive analysis of the structural, physical, and chemical properties necessary to insure quality control in production. The different properties specific to each component of the batteries are discussed in order to offer manufacturers the capability to choose which kind of battery should be used: which compromise between power and energy density and which compromise between energy and safety should be made, and for which cycling life. Although attention is primarily on electrode materials since they are paramount in terms of battery performance and cost, different electrolytes are also reviewed in the context of safety concerns and in relation to the solid-electrolyte interface. Separators are also reviewed in light of safety issues. The book is intended not only for scientists and graduate students working on batteries but also for engineers and technologists who want to acquire a sound grounding in the fundamentals of battery science arising from the interaction of electrochemistry, solid state materials science, surfaces and interfaces.

The aim of this book is to review innovative physical multiscale modeling methods which numerically simulate the structure and properties of electrochemical devices for energy storage and conversion. Written by world-class experts in the field, it revisits concepts, methodologies and approaches connecting ab initio with micro-, meso- and macro-scale modeling of components and cells. It also discusses the major scientific challenges of this field, such as that of lithium-ion batteries. This book demonstrates how fuel cells and batteries can be brought together to take advantage of well-established multi-scale physical modeling methodologies to advance research in this area. This book also highlights promising capabilities of such approaches for inexpensive virtual experimentation. In recent years, electrochemical systems such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, water electrolyzers, lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors have attracted much attention due to their potential for clean energy conversion and as storage devices. This has resulted in tremendous technological progress, such as the development of new electrolytes and new engineering designs of electrode structures. However, these technologies do not yet possess all the necessary characteristics, especially in terms of cost and durability, to compete within the most attractive markets. Physical multiscale modeling approaches bridge the gap between materials' atomistic and structural properties and the macroscopic behavior of a device. They play a crucial role in optimizing the materials and operation in real-life conditions, thereby enabling enhanced cell performance and durability at a reduced cost. This book provides a valuable resource for researchers, engineers and students interested in physical modelling, numerical simulation, electrochemistry and theoretical chemistry.

This textbook offers original and new approaches to the teaching of electrochemical concepts, principles and applications. Throughout the text the authors provide a balanced coverage of the thermodynamic and kinetic processes at the heart of electrochemical systems. The first half of the book outlines fundamental concepts appropriate to undergraduate students and the second half gives an in-depth account of electrochemical systems suitable for experienced scientists and course lecturers. Concepts are clearly explained and mathematical treatments are kept to a minimum or reported in appendices. This book features: - Questions and answers for self-assessment - Basic and advanced level numerical descriptions - Illustrated electrochemistry applications This book is accessible to both novice and experienced electrochemists and supports a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and laws of electrochemistry.

The series Topics in Organometallic Chemistry presents critical overviews of research results in organometallic chemistry. As our understanding of organometallic structure, properties and mechanisms increases, new ways are opened for the design of organometallic compounds and reactions tailored to the needs of such diverse areas as organic synthesis, medical research, biology and materials science. Thus the scope of coverage includes a broad range of topics in pure and applied organometallic chemistry, where new breakthroughs are being achieved that are of significance to a larger scientific audience. The individual volumes of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry are thematic. Review articles are generally invited by the volume editors.