To achieve environmental sustainability in industrial plants, resource conservation activities such as material recovery have begun incorporating process integration techniques for reusing and recycling water, utility gases, solvents, and solid waste. Process Integration for Resource Conservation presents state-of-the-art, cost-effective techniques, including pinch analysis and mathematical optimization, for numerous conservation problems.

Following the holistic philosophy of process integration, the author emphasizes the goal of setting performance targets ahead of detailed design. He explains various industrial examples step by step and offers demo software and other materials online. Ideal for students preparing for real-world work as well as industrial practitioners, the text provides a systematic guide to the latest process integration techniques for performing material recovery in process plants.

Chemicals from Biomass: Integrating Bioprocesses into Chemical Production Complexes for Sustainable Development helps engineers optimize the development of new chemical and polymer plants that use renewable resources to replace the output of goods and services from existing plants. It also discusses the conversion of those existing plants into facilities that are based on renewable resources that may require nonrenewable resource supplements.

Relying on extensive reviews of biomass as feedstock and the production of chemicals from biomass, this book identifies and illustrates the design of new chemical processes (bioprocesses) that use renewable feedstock (biomass) as raw materials. The authors show how these new bioprocesses can be integrated into the existing plant in a chemical production complex to obtain the best combination of energy-efficient and environmentally acceptable facilities. This presented methodology is an essential component of sustainable development, and these steps are essential to achieving a sustainable chemical industry.

The authors evaluate potential bioprocesses based on a conceptual design of biomass-based chemical production, and they use Aspen HYSYS(r) and Aspen ICARUS(r) to perform simulations and economic evaluations of these processes. The book outlines detailed process designs created for seven bioprocesses that use biomass and carbon dioxide as feedstock to produce a range of chemicals and monomers. These include fermentation, transesterification, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and algae oil production. These process designs, and associated simulation codes, can be downloaded for modification, as needed. The methodology presented in this book can be used to evaluate energy efficiency, cost, sustainability, and environmental acceptability of plants and new products. Based on the results of that analysis, the methodology can be applied to other chemical complexes for new bioprocesses, reduced emissions, and energy savings.

This book focuses on pulverized coal particle devolatilization, ignition, alkali metal release behavior, and burnout temperature using several novel optic diagnostic methods on a Hencken multi-flat flame burner. Firstly, it presents a novel multi-filter technique to detect the CH* signal during coal ignition, which can be used to characterize the volatile release and reaction process. It then offers observations on the prevalent transition from heterogeneous ignition to hetero-homogeneous ignition due to ambient temperature based on visible light signal diagnostics. By utilizing the gap between the excitation energies of the gas and particle phases, a new low-intensity laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (PS-LIBS) is developed to identify the presence of sodium in the particle or gas phase along the combustion process. For the first time, the in-situ verification of the gas phase Na release accompanying coal devolatilization is fulfilled when the ambient temperature is high enough. In fact, particle temperature plays a vital role in the coal burnout process and ash particle formation. The last part of the book uses RGB color pyrometry and the CBK model to study the char particle temperature on a Hencken burner. It offers readers valuable information on the technique of coal ignition and combustion diagnostics as well as coal combustion characteristics.

Particle Technology and Applications presents the theoretical and technological background of particle science and explores up-to-date applications of particle technologies in the chemical, petrochemical, energy, mechanical, and materials industries. It looks at the importance of particle science and technology in the development of efficient chemical processes and novel functional materials. With peer-reviewed chapters written by a select group of academic and industry experts, the book provides examples of particle technology and its advanced industrial applications. It includes the necessary scientific background of particle technology as well as relevant technological details of the application areas. This helps readers grasp specific details of the applied technology, since the advanced particle technology can directly or synergistically have an impact on outcomes, such as the development of a targeted functional material, enhancement of existing processing techniques, and modification of the properties of existing materials. Presenting a consistent scientific treatment of all topics, this comprehensive yet accessible book covers a variety of practical applications and relevant theoretical foundation of particle science and technology. It will help readers tackle new challenges in process and product development and create new methodologies in the clean technology sector.

This volume focuses on filamentous fungi and highlights the advances of the past decade, both in methodology and in the understanding of genomic organization and regulation of gene and pathway expression. The approaches and techniques of molecular biology enable us to ask and answer fundamental questions about many aspects of fungal biology, and open the way to the directed manipulation of fungal genetics. Moreover, this book describes the development and advancement of fungal genes and the ways in which these are being exploited in species of economic importance either in biotechnology or in biochemistry.

From the late-1960's, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSAs) ionomers have dominated the PEM fuel cell industry as the membrane material of choice. The "gold standard' amongst the many variations that exist today has been, and to a great extent still is, DuPont's Nafion (R) family of materials. However, there is significant concern in the industry that these materials will not meet the cost, performance, and durability requirementsnecessary to drive commercialization in key market segments - es- cially automotive. Indeed, Honda has already put fuel cell vehicles in the hands of real end users that have home-grown fuel cell stack technology incorporating hydrocarbon-based ionomers. "Polymer Membranes in Fuel Cells" takes an in-depth look at the new chem- tries and membrane technologies that have been developed over the years to address the concerns associated with the materials currently in use. Unlike the PFSAs, which were originally developed for the chlor-alkali industry, the more recent hydrocarbon and composite materials have been developed to meet the specific requirements of PEM Fuel Cells. Having said this, most of the work has been based on derivatives of known polymers, such as poly(ether-ether ketones), to ensure that the critical requirement of low cost is met. More aggressive operational requi- ments have also spurred the development on new materials; for example, the need for operation at higher temperature under low relative humidity has spawned the creation of a plethora of new polymers with potential application in PEM Fuel Cells.

Most available books in chemical engineering mainly pertain to continuous processes, with batch distillation relegated to a small section. Filling this void in the chemical engineering literature, Batch Distillation: Simulation, Optimal Design, and Control, Second Edition helps readers gain a solid, hands-on background in batch processing. The second edition of this bestseller explores numerous new developments in batch distillation that have emerged since the publication of the first edition.

New to the Second Edition

• Special sections on complex column configurations and azeotropic, extractive, and reactive distillation
• A chapter on various kinds of uncertainties in batch distillation
• A chapter covering software packages for batch distillation simulation, design, optimization, and control
• Separate chapters on complex columns and complex systems
• Up-to-date references and coverage of recent research articles

This edition continues to explain how to effectively design, synthesize, and make operations decisions related to batch processes. Through careful treatments of uncertainty analysis, optimization, and optimal control methods, the author gives readers the necessary tools for making the best decisions in practice.

While primarily designed for a graduate course in batch distillation, the text can also be used in undergraduate chemical engineering courses. In addition, researchers and academics faced with batch distillation research problems and practicing chemical engineers tackling problems in actual day-to-day operations will find the book to be a useful reference source.

Practical and easy to understand, SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS FOR THE PROCESS INDUSTRY, Second Edition is an essential text for anyone who apsires to work in process technology. Through a hands-on approach and direct writing style, the author succinctly covers all of the safety and regulatory issues essential to the industry. In addition, relevant topics such as OSHA regulations and analyzer technology are discussed in detail. Each chapter includes learning objectives, a list of the key terms, a chapter summary, and review questions. This thoroughly revised second edition also includes a chapter specific to OSHA and DOT, upgraded artwork, and relevant articles to enhance your understanding and demonstrate real world relevance.

The environmental and health hazards created by industrial chemicals and consumer products must be minimized. For safer products to be designed, the relationships between structure and toxicity must be understood at the molecular level. Green chemistry combined with free radical research has the potential to offer innovative solutions to such problems.

Some solutions are "greener then others," and many necessitate significant financial investment. New technology will only be adopted if real benefit can be shown and sometimes adaptation of existing methods is the best option. The efficiency of processes must be assessed, not only in terms of the final yield, but also cost, environmental impact and waste toxicity.

This practical and concise guide showcases the sustainable methods offered by green free radical chemistry and summarizes the fundamental science involved. It discusses the pros and cons of free radical chemistry in aqueous systems for synthetic applications. All transformation steps are covered including initiation, propagation, and termination. Useful background knowledge is combined with examples, including industrial scale processes for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

The book helps chemists to choose appropriate methods for achieving maximum output using a modern, environmentally conscious approach. It shows that, armed with an elementary knowledge of kinetics, an understanding of the mechanistic and technical aspects, and some common sense, it is possible to harness free radicals for use in a broad range of applications.

Streamlining Green Free Radical Chemistry is aimed at chemists, engineers, materials scientists, biochemists and biomedical experts, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. It encourages readers to question conventional methods and move towards the "Benign-by-Design" approach of the future. References to further reading are provided at the end of each chapter.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are some of the most important and valuable engineering materials developed in the last 25 years. These fascinating materials demonstrate remarkably versatile properties-including capacity for actuation and stimulus responsiveness-that are enabling technologists to develop applications used to explore everything from the outer reaches of space to the inside of the human body. Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers details the fundamentals of SMP makeup, as well as their shape-recovery features and their seemingly endless potential for use in applications ranging from the macro- to submicron scales. With an abundance of illustrations and vivid pictures to explain how SMPs and their composites work and how they can be used, this book covers: History and most recent developments in SMPs Thermomechanical properties and behavior of the polymers and their composites Modification of SMPs and novel actuation mechanisms Large-scale surface pattern generation Multi-shape memory effect Fabrication techniques Characterization of composites A must-have reference for anyone working in the materials science and engineering fields, this book outlines the properties-such as light weight, low cost, and ability to handle high strain-that make the easily processed SMPs so useful in fields including aerospace, biomedicine, and textiles. It is intended to help readers understand and apply the knowledge and techniques presented to develop new innovations that will further benefit society.

Chemistry of Modern Papermaking presents a chemist's perspective on the papermaking process. With roughly 3% of the mass of a paper product invested in water-soluble chemicals, paper makers can adjust the speed and efficiency of the process, minimize and reuse surplus materials, and differentiate a paper product as required by specific customers. With research and development scattered across academic journals or the proprietary information of a variety of companies, the modern paper maker requires a one-stop resource for the general picture of the paper chemicals organic chemistry.

The remarkable effectiveness of chemicals at very low concentrations is a fascinating topic in paper chemistry. Chemistry of Modern Papermaking is an extensive collection of data combining the organic chemistry of paper with its potential applications. Within each chapter, paper chemicals are organized based on their chemical structure. After an introduction and brief history, the book explores the papermaking process, retention aids, temporary wet strength resins, wet strength resins, dry strength resins, internal sizing agents, creping adhesives and softeners, and chemicals for paper surface treatment. Uniquely, patents and scientific articles are included in almost equal number among the 3400 references.

Chemistry of Modern Papermaking focuses on the chemistry behind each application, on what has been done, and on what can be done. Never before has a book analytically arranged and lucidly explained such an expansive collection of details from both the patent and scientific literature. This synthesis is achieved not only through diligent work, but also through years of industrial experience.

The discovery of the spatial structure of the double-stranded DNA molecule is one of the greatest achievements of science. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the DNA double helix is a distinguished symbol of modern biology.
Divided into three parts, DNA Liquid-Crystalline Dispersions and Nanoconstructions covers the information presently available on the condensation of various forms of DNA and describes practical applications of the peculiar properties of the liquid-crystalline particles.

• Part 1 describes the main methods used for condensation of linear high- and low-molecular mass DNA, including their complexes with polycations and circular DNA
• Part 2 compares the state and reactivity of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules fixed spatially in the liquid-crystalline as well as the same molecules under intracellular conditions
• Part 3 explains how the discovery of the fundamental principles underlying the formation of nucleic acid liquid-crystalline dispersion particles opens a gate for the operational use of these principles in the area of nanotechnology and biosensorics

With detailed coverage of DNA liquid crystals, this book provides an understanding of the information presently available on the condensation of various forms of DNA. Double-stranded nucleic acids, spatially organized in a liquid-crystalline structure, represent an important polyfunctional tool for molecular biology and nanobiotechnology. The possibility of programmed and controlled variations in the properties of these molecules and in the characteristics of their liquid-crystalline dispersions, provides wide options for the formation of biologically active three-dimensional structures with unique, widely applicable properties.

Ultrasonic irradiation and the associated sonochemical and sonophysical effects are complementary techniques for driving more efficient chemical reactions and yields. Sonochemistry?the chemical effects and applications of ultrasonic waves?and sustainable (green) chemistry both aim to use less hazardous chemicals and solvents, reduce energy consumption, and increase product selectivity.

A comprehensive collection of knowledge, Handbook on Applications of Ultrasound covers the most relevant aspects linked to and linking green chemistry practices to environmental sustainability through the uses and applications of ultrasound-mediated and ultrasound-assisted biological, biochemical, chemical, and physical processes.

Chapters are presented in the areas of:

• Medical applications
• Drug and gene delivery
• Nanotechnology
• Food technology
• Synthetic applications and organic chemistry
• Anaerobic digestion
• Environmental contaminants degradation
• Polymer chemistry
• Industrial syntheses and processes
• Reactor design
• Electrochemical systems
• Combined ultrasound?microwave technologies

While the concepts of sonochemistry have been known for more than 80 years, in-depth understanding of this phenomenon continues to evolve. Through a review of the current status of chemical and physical science and engineering in developing more environmentally-friendly and less toxic synthetic processes, this book highlights many existing applications and enormous potential of ultrasound technology to upgrade present industrial, agricultural, and environmental processes.

This book offers the state of the art on the progress and accomplishments of 25 years of research at the Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials on lignin conversion to value-added products and their downstream separation. The first valorisation pathway presented for lignin is its partial depolymerisation by oxidation for the production of low molecular weight phenolic compounds, such as vanillin and syringaldehyde, and the second one is the lignin application as macromonomer for polyurethane synthesis. In this book, the authors present the integration of these two valorisation pathways as an exclusive vision of LSRE-LCM resulting from hands-on experience on reaction and separation processes: the integrated process for lignin valorisation. In this perspective, the lignin is oxidized to simultaneously produce syringaldehyde and vanillin, and the obtained by-products to produce a polyol for lignin-based polyurethanes, completing the lignin value chain. On the perspective of pulp mill-related biorefineries, a valorisation route for eucalyptus bark is also presented, focusing on LSRE-LCM experience on extraction and separation of bioactive polyphenols, giving some insights about further integration of extracted bark on biorefining operations.

Focusing on fundamentals of biofuel production from renewable energy sources and biohydrogen production, this book offers a complete understanding of the bioconversion processes. Each chapter begins with a fundamental explanation for general readers and ends with in-depth scientific details suitable for expert readers. It discusses different types of production technologies covering basic concepts, production strategies, commercial usage, and advances.

Fibre reinforced composite materials are showing sustained growth in an ever widening range of applications from food trays to spacecraft as well as contributing to resolving environmental problems, including enabling the forthcoming hydrogen economy to be realised. This second edition of Fundamentals of Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials has been fully updated throughout, providing an authoritative and modern introduction to the topic with a brief history of composite development, a review of composite applications, manufacture and markets, types of fibres and matrices used, and their properties with a detailed introduction into the computer simulation of composite behaviour. With extensive sets of sample problems accompanying each chapter, this book is ideally suited to undergraduate and graduate students of materials science, structural, mechanical, and aeronautical engineering, polymer science, metallurgy, and other courses. It will also be of use as a reference to researchers and engineers working with composite materials and material scientists in general. Features: Presents thorough discussions on composite history, composite applications and markets, types of fibres and resins used, and their respective properties Relates mathematical concepts to the structure of the material under discussion leading to the quantitative evaluation of safety factors Provides numerous sets of sample problems in each chapter

The magneto luminous chemical vapor deposition (MLCVD) method is the perfect example of the "front-end green process." It employs an entirely new process that expends the minimum amount of materials in gas phase, yields virtually no effluent, and therefore requires no environmental remediation. Unlike the "back-end green process," which calls for add-on processes to deal with effluent problems, the newer MLCVD approach is a completely different phenomenon that has never been adequately described, until now.

Dispelling previous misconceptions and revealing new areas for investigation, Magneto Luminous Chemical Vapor Deposition describes the key process of dielectric breakdown of gas molecules under the influence of a magnetic field. It emphasizes behavioral distinctions between molecular gasses that cause plasma polymerization (such as methane and trimethylsilane) and mono-atomic gases (e.g., helium and argon) when dealing with the dielectric breakdown of the gas phase under low pressure. The author also reveals his minimum perturbation theory of biocompatibility. This is based on the realization that nanofilms prepared using MLCVD have unique, stable interfacial characteristics necessary to achieve a surface that can be tolerated in various biological environments.

The author presents alternating views based on NASA's recent discovery that a magnetic field burst from the earth triggers the inception of the aurora borealis. Detailing similarities between this phenomenon and the inception of the magneto luminous gas phase described in this book, the author proposes that proof of the one occurrence could shed light on the other. Expanding on the author's previous works, this book introduces new discoveries, highlights the newfound errors of previous assumptions, and juxtaposes many cutting-edge alternative views and anomalies associated with the field.

The self-contained properties of discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) render them powerful functional materials for many semiconducting device applications and models for energy and charge migration in self-organized dynamic functional soft materials. The past three decades have seen tremendous interest in this area, fueled primarily by the possibility of creating a new generation of organic semiconductors and wide viewing displays using DLCs. While a number of books on classical calamitic liquid crystals are available, there are, as yet, no books that are dedicated exclusively to the basic design principles, synthesis, and physical properties of DLCs. The first reference book to cover DLCs, Chemistry of Discotic Liquid Crystals: From Monomers to Polymers highlights the chemistry and thermal behavior of DLCs. Divided into six chapters, each with a general description, background, and context for the concepts involved, the book begins with a basic introduction to liquid crystals, describing molecular self-assembly and various types of liquid crystals. It outlines their classification, covers their history and general applications, and focuses on DLCs and their discovery, structure, characterization, and alignment. The book goes on to examine the chemistry and physical properties of various monomeric DLCs, including 25 sections describing the synthesis and mesomorphic properties of monomeric DLCs formed by different cores. The bulk of the book covers the chemistry and mesomorphism of discotic dimers, oligomers, and polymers and concludes with a look at some applicable properties of DLCs. A comprehensive and up-to-date resource, this book is designed to be accessible and of value not just for students and researchers but also to the directors and principal investigators working in this field, providing the foundation and fuel to advance this fast-growing technological field.

Ten years after the debut of the expansive CRC Handbook of Thermodynamic Data of Copolymer Solutions, The CRC Handbook of Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamic Data of Copolymer Solutions updates and expands the world's first comprehensive source of this vital data. Author Christian Wohlfarth, a chemical thermodynamicist specializing in phase equilibria of polymer and copolymer solutions and a respected contributor to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, has gathered up-to-the-minute data from more than 500 newly published references. Fully committed to ensuring the reliability of the data, the author included only results with published or personally communicated numerical values. With volumetric, calormetric, and various phase equilibrium data on more than 450 copolymers and 130 solvents, this handbook furnishes: * 150 new vapor-liquid equilibrium datasets * 50 new tables containing classical Henry's coefficients * 250 new liquid-liquid equilibrium datasets * 350 new high-pressure fluid phase equilibrium * 70 new PVT-properties datasets * 40 new enthalpic datasets * Expanded second osmotic virial coefficients data table Carefully organized, clearly presented, and fully referenced, The Handbook of Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamic Data of Copolymer Solutions will prove a cardinal contribution to the open literature and invaluable to anyone working with copolymers.

Surface thermodynamics forms the foundation of any meaningful study of capillarity and wetting phenomena. The second edition of Applied Surface Thermodynamics offers a comprehensive state-of-the-art treatment of this critical topic. It provides students and researchers with fundamental knowledge and practical guidelines in solving real-world problems related to the measurement and interpretation of interfacial properties.

Containing 40 percent new material and reorganized content, this second edition begins by presenting a generalized Gibbs theory of capillarity, including discussions of highly curved interfaces. Concentrating on drop-shape techniques, the book discusses liquid-fluid interfacial tension and its measurement. Next, the authors focus on contact angles with chapters on experimental procedures, thermodynamic models, and the interpretation of contact angles in terms of solid surface tension. The book discusses theoretical approaches to determining solid surface tension as well as interfacial tensions of particles and their manifestations. It concludes by discussing drop size dependence of contact angles and line tension.

What's New in the Second Edition:

• Recent progress in Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis (ADSA)
• Image processing methods for drop shape analysis
• Advanced applications and generalizations of ADSA
• Recent studies of contact angle hysteresis
• Contact angles on inert fluoropolymers
• Update on line tension and the drop size dependence of contact angles

Exploring a range of different aspects of surface science and its applications, the book logically progresses so that knowledge of previous chapters enhances the understanding of subsequent material, yet each chapter is freestanding so that experienced researchers can quickly refer to topics of particular interest.

This is a practical guidebook about cyclopropanes that thoroughly surveys derivatives and transformations, synthetic methods, and experimental efficiency as a gateway for further research and development in the field. Provides comprehensive lists and synthetically-oriented synopses of cyclopropane chemistry review references along with publication data on applications in the syntheses of natural and related biologically active compounds Acts as a resource to help readers better understand cyclopropane applications for the efficient realization of synthetically important organic transformations and popular experimental procedures Includes new developments and up-to-date information that will lead to original methodologies for complex organic synthesis Stresses universality, flexibility, and experimental efficiency of a strategy based on preparing cyclopropane derivatives and performing ring cleavage reactions with inexpensive reagents Focuses on the synthetic potential of cyclopropane applications, for example the synthesis of natural compounds and other target-oriented syntheses via cyclopropane intermediaries, as well on their planning by retrosynthetic analysis

How far will an ounce of prevention really go? While the answer to that question may never be truly known, Process Plants: A Handbook for Inherently Safer Design, Second Edition takes us several steps closer. The book demonstrates not just the importance of prevention, but the importance of designing with prevention in mind. It emphasizes the role of inherent safety in process safety management systems and in ensuring an appropriate process safety culture. Keeping the easy to understand style that made the first edition so popular, this book clearly delineates practical, everyday issues and complex technical ones.

The second edition provides:

• Coverage of new inherent safety metrics and how to measure the degree or level of inherent safety
• New examples of application of the various principles of inherently safer design and 20 new figures
• New emphasis on the role of inherently safer design in process safety management systems and in ensuring an appropriate process safety culture
• Discussion of dust explosion risk reduction by means of inherently safer approaches
• New chapter on case study development, providing a comprehensive approach to the prevention and mitigation of process incidents by timely incorporation of inherently safer design

This updated version of a classic text examines how to incorporate inherently safer design into process industry activities, revising and updating information based on recent research and developments. A how-to resource at its core, the book includes numerous examples that illustrate the principles of inherently safer design and how to apply them in practice. It explains how to measure the inherent safeness of a process, referencing metric tools that have been developed during the past decade and the tried and true methods that have become industry stand bys.

The book covers all stages of process plant projects from initiation to completion and handover by describing the roles and actions of all functions involved. It discusses engineering, procurement, construction, project management, contract administration, project control and HSE, with reference to international contracting and business practices.

This reference work contains approximately 40,000 international tradenames by which more than 6000 generic chemicals are known and marketed worldwide. This set enables the user to locate the tradename equivalent of generic chemicals. They also provide extensive information about the generic chemicals and includes a separate listing of tradename products containing the chemical entry as a major constituent. Volume 1 features chemical to tradename references and volume 2 is a tradename to chemical cross reference and manufacturers directory.

Rising oil costs have stimulated significant interest in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) as a method for producing a synthetic petroleum substitute. Drawn from the proceedings at a symposium held during the 236th meeting of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia in August 2008, Advances in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Catalysts, and Catalysis explores the recent developments in Fischer-Tropsch technology, which holds great promise in the area of renewable resources. Expert contributors explore a range of issues The book focuses on three main themes: catalyst preparation and activation, reaction mechanism, and process-related topics. A panel of expert contributors discusses synthesis of catalysts, carbon nanomaterials, nitric oxide calcinations, the influence of carbon, catalytic performance issues, chelating agents, and Cu and alkali promoters. They also explore Co/silica catalysts, thermodynamic control, the Two Alpha model, co-feeding experiments, internal diffusion limitations, Fe-LTFT selectivity, and the effect of co-fed water. Lastly, the book examines cross-flow filtration, kinetic studies, reduction of CO2 emissions, syncrude, and low-temperature water-gas shift. Attaining the maximum catalytic activity and catalyst life The themes explored in the book demonstrate that while the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) has advanced in maturity, many issues remain concerning the preparation of increasingly active catalysts and the method of activation to attain the maximum catalytic activity and catalyst life. The book includes coverage of the structural features, their changes, and the application of increasingly sophisticated characterization techniques, shedding light on the reaction mechanism and providing a glimpse into the processes and reaction rates under realistic commercial process conditions.