Covers key areas of heterojunction nanomaterials for easy understanding of students, researchers, and academicians to promote the research in this field Systematically summarizes synthetic strategies, physicochemical properties, photocatalytic mechanisms, and applications of heterojunction materials through high-quality illustrations and schematic diagrams and references accompanying each chapter Emphasizes the ongoing challenges and potential directions for future development of heterojunction photocatalysts

Renewable energies have become an attractive option to overcome the energy demands in sustainable and affordable ways. It has been estimated that one-third of the total renewable energies would be generated from photovoltaics (PVs). A solar or PV cell is a device that directly converts sunlight into electricity by taking benefit of the photoelectric effect. In the third-generation solar PVs, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are believed to be the most promising and have attracted wide attention. The optimization of a DSSC is focused on four main components: (i) metal oxide semiconductor, (ii) photosensitizer, (iii) redox couple electrolyte, and (iv) counter electrode. Among these, the counter electrode undertakes three functions: (i) as a catalyst, (ii) as a positive electrode of primary cells, and (iii) as a mirror. To obey these functions, the electrode material should have high catalytic activity, high conductivity, high reflectivity, high surface area, and electrochemical and mechanical stability. To improve the performance of DSSCs, many scientists have developed new counter electrodes made of platinum, carbon materials, transition metals, conductive polymers, and composites. This book converses the various aspects of materials for the fabrication of counter electrodes especially for the DSSCs.

Metal oxide nanomaterials exhibit interesting electrical and photochemical properties because of their size, stability, and high surface area that render them as great choices in fabricating alternative electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and sensor applications. The hybridization of metal oxides with other materials lead to the improvement in electrical conductivity, stability, and electron transfer kinetics during the electrocatalytic reactions. These key factors result in greater sensitivity of the sensor materials towards the analyte molecules. This book reviews the electrochemical determination of a variety of toxic chemical contaminants using metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials. Ultrasensitive and selective detection of toxic chemical contaminants is important and demanding, especially for monitoring and controlling environmental pollution. In recent years, metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials have shown high potential in the electrochemical detection of heavy metals, inorganic anions, phenolic compounds, pesticides, and chemical warfare reagents. Metal Oxides in Nanocomposite-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Toxic Chemicals comprehensively reviews this topic. In addition to the instrumental simplicity, the electrochemical methods show the improved sensor performance through the synergetic effect of metal oxide and other electroactive nanomaterial present in the nanocomposite. Thus, detailed information on the electrochemical sensing of toxic chemical contaminants using metal oxide-based nanomaterials are discussed. The recent progress in developing electrochemical sensors using metal oxide-based nanocomposite materials and perspectives on future opportunities in sensor research and development are addressed in the book.

Graphene-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Biomolecules presents the latest on these nanomaterials that have gained a lot of attention based on their unique properties of high mechanical flexibility, large surface area, chemical stability, superior electric and thermal conductivities that render them great choices as alternative electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and sensor applications. The hybridization of graphene with other nanomaterials induces a synergetic effect, leading to the improvement in electrical conductivity, stability and an enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of the new nanocomposite material. This book discusses the electrochemical determination of a variety of biomolecules using graphene-based nanocomposite materials. Finally, recent progress in the development of electrochemical sensors using graphene-based nanocomposite materials and perspectives on future opportunities in sensor research and development are discussed in detail.

Explores the sustainable production of carbon materials and their applications Of increasing interest to practitioners and researchers in a variety of areas, biomass-derived carbon materials can be easily produced and possess the large surface areas and porosities that enable many applications in materials science, biochemistry, chemistry, and energy research. In Biomass-Derived Carbon Materials: Production and Applications, a team of accomplished researchers delivers a thorough and up-to-date exploration of the preparation and activation processes of biomass-derived carbon materials, the fabrication of composites, and assorted and multidisciplinary applications of the technology. The book also covers future opportunities for research and application. Introductory chapters provide information about the production, functionalization, and characterization of biomass-derived carbon materials, while the latter parts of this edited volume discuss the applications of biomass-derived carbon materials such as catalysis, sensors, microbicidal activity, toxic chemicals removal, drug delivery, and energy conversion and storage applications. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to the production of biomass-derived carbon materials, as well as their characterization Comprehensive explorations of biomass-derived carbon-based materials for microbicidal applications and carbon-based nanomaterials prepared from biomass for catalysis Practical discussions of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots for fluorescence sensors and mesoporous carbon nanomaterials for drug delivery and imaging applications In-depth examinations of biomass-derived carbon as electrode materials for batteries and porous carbon synthesized from biomass for fuel cells Ideal for materials scientists as well as industrial chemists and biochemists, Biomass-Derived Carbon Materials: Production and Applications also belongs in the libraries of electrochemists and sensor developers.

Offers an Interdisciplinary approach to the engineering of functional materials for efficient solar cell technology Written by a collection of experts in the field of solar cell technology, this book focuses on the engineering of a variety of functional materials for improving photoanode efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The first two chapters describe operation principles of DSSC, charge transfer dynamics, as well as challenges and solutions for improving DSSCs. The remaining chapters focus on interfacial engineering of functional materials at the photoanode surface to create greater output efficiency. Interfacial Engineering in Functional Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells begins by introducing readers to the history, configuration, components, and working principles of DSSC It then goes on to cover both nanoarchitectures and light scattering materials as photoanode. Function of compact (blocking) layer in the photoanode and of TiCl4 post-treatment in the photoanode are examined at next. Next two chapters look at photoanode function of doped semiconductors and binary semiconductor metal oxides. Other chapters consider nanocomposites, namely, plasmonic nanocomposites, carbon nanotube based nanocomposites, graphene based nanocomposites, and graphite carbon nitride based nanocompositesas photoanodes. The book: Provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals through the applications of DSSC Encompasses topics on various functional materials for DSSC technology Focuses on the novel design and application of materials in DSSC, to develop more efficient renewable energy sources Is useful for material scientists, engineers, physicists, and chemists interested in functional materials for the design of efficient solar cells Interfacial Engineering in Functional Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells will be of great benefit to graduate students, researchers and engineers, who work in the multi-disciplinary areas of material science, engineering, physics, and chemistry.

Nanoscale Graphitic Carbon Nitride focuses on multi-functional applications including energy conversion, storage and healthcare. Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride materials have attracted much attention in recent years because of their similarity to graphene. They are composed of carbon, nitrogen and some minor hydrogen content. In contrast to graphene, g-Graphitic carbon nitride is a medium band-gap semiconductor and in that role an effective photocatalyst and chemical catalyst for a broad variety of reactions and applications. This book covers the fundamentals and applications of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) in different sectors. It also covers the application of graphitic carbon nitride-based composites with metal, metal oxides, metal sulphide and carbon-based materials. This is an important resource for researchers in the fields of materials science, engineering, energy storage and chemical engineering who want to understand how nanoscale graphitic carbon nitride is being used for a range of industrial applications and processes.

A comprehensive volume on photocatalytic functional materials for environmental remediation As the need for removing large amounts of pollution and contamination in air, soil, and water grows, emerging technologies in the field of environmental remediation are of increasing importance. The use of photocatalysis--a green technology with enormous potential to resolve the issues related to environmental pollution--breaks down toxic organic compounds to mineralized products such as carbon dioxide and water. Due to their high performance, ease of fabrication, long-term stability, and low manufacturing costs, photofunctional materials constructed from nanocomposite materials hold great potential for environmental remediation. Photocatalytic Functional Materials for Environmental Remediation examines the development of high performance photofunctional materials for the treatment of environmental pollutants. This timely volume assembles and reviews a broad range of ideas from leading experts in fields of chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, materials science, and engineering. Precise, up-to-date chapters cover both the fundamentals and applications of photocatalytic functional materials. Semiconductor-metal nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides, metal-organic frameworks, polymer nanocomposites, and other photofunctional materials are examined in applications such as carbon dioxide reduction and organic pollutant degradation. Providing interdisciplinary focus to green technology materials for the treatment of environmental pollutants, this important work: Provides comprehensive coverage of various photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation useful for researchers and developers Encompasses both fundamental concepts and applied technology in the field Focuses on novel design and application of photocatalytic materials used for the removal of environmental contaminates and pollution Offers in-depth examination of highly topical green-technology solutions Presents an interdisciplinary approach to environmental remediation Photocatalytic Functional Materials for Environmental Remediation is a vital resource for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in the multi-disciplinary areas of chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, environmental science, materials science, and engineering related to photocatalytic environmental remediation.

An interdisciplinary guide to the newest solar cell technology for efficient renewable energy Rational Design of Solar Cells for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion explores the development of the most recent solar technology and materials used to manufacture solar cells in order to achieve higher solar energy conversion efficiency. The text offers an interdisciplinary approach and combines information on dye-sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, polymer solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and quantum dot solar cells. The text contains contributions from noted experts in the fields of chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. The authors review the development of components such as photoanodes, sensitizers, electrolytes, and photocathodes for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells. In addition, the text puts the focus on the design of material assemblies to achieve higher solar energy conversion. This important resource: Offers a comprehensive review of recent developments in solar cell technology Includes information on a variety of solar cell materials and devices, focusing on dye-sensitized solar cells Contains a thorough approach beginning with the fundamental material characterization and concluding with real-world device application. Presents content from researchers in multiple fields of study such as physicists, engineers, and material scientists Written for researchers, scientists, and engineers in university and industry laboratories, Rational Design of Solar Cells for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion offers a comprehensive review of the newest developments and applications of solar cells with contributions from a range of experts in various disciplines.

Nanostructured, Functional, and Flexible Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage Systems gathers and reviews developments within the field of nanostructured functional materials towards energy conversion and storage. Contributions from leading research groups involved in interdisciplinary research in the fields of chemistry, physics and materials science and engineering are presented. Chapters dealing with the development of nanostructured materials for energy conversion processes, including oxygen reduction, methanol oxidation, oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, formic acid oxidation and solar cells are discussed. The work concludes with a look at the application of nanostructured functional materials in energy storage system, such as supercapacitors and batteries. With its distinguished international team of expert contributors, this book will be an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the field of energy conversion and storage, including materials engineers, scientists and academics.