"Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: Materials, Performance, Durability and Applications "begins with an introductory overview of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC); it focuses on the main goals and challenges in the areas of materials development, performance, and commercialization. The preparation and the properties of the anodic catalysts used for the oxidation of methanol, higher alcohols, and alcohol tolerant cathodes are then described. The membranes used as proton conductors in DAFC are examined, as well as alkaline membranes, focusing on the electrical conductivity and alcohol permeability.The use of different kinds of carbon materials as catalyst supports, gas diffusion layers, and current collectors in DAFC is also discussed. State of the art of the modeling is used to estimate performance and durability. The closing chapter reviews the use of DAFC in portable equipment and mobile devices and features a detailed discussion on the mechanisms of component degradation which limits their durability.

This book is written to facilitate the understanding of DAFC technology, applications, and future challenges. It is an excellent introduction for electrochemical and material engineers interested in small fuel cells as portable energy sources, scientists focused on materials science for energy production and storage, as well as policy-makers in the area of renewable energies."

Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: Materials, Performance, Durability and Applications begins with an introductory overview of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC); it focuses on the main goals and challenges in the areas of materials development, performance, and commercialization. The preparation and the properties of the anodic catalysts used for the oxidation of methanol, higher alcohols, and alcohol tolerant cathodes are then described. The membranes used as proton conductors in DAFC are examined, as well as alkaline membranes, focusing on the electrical conductivity and alcohol permeability. The use of different kinds of carbon materials as catalyst supports, gas diffusion layers, and current collectors in DAFC is also discussed. State of the art of the modeling is used to estimate performance and durability. The closing chapter reviews the use of DAFC in portable equipment and mobile devices and features a detailed discussion on the mechanisms of component degradation which limits their durability. This book is written to facilitate the understanding of DAFC technology, applications, and future challenges. It is an excellent introduction for electrochemical and material engineers interested in small fuel cells as portable energy sources, scientists focused on materials science for energy production and storage, as well as policy-makers in the area of renewable energies.

Unique and informative, Water Properties of Food, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Materials is based on lectures and papers given by leading international researchers at the 9th International Symposium of the Properties of Water in Foods (ISOPOW 9) that took place in September 2004. Each chapter presents an authoritative account of the latest research on the physical and chemical properties of water in relation to the stability of food, pharmaceutical, and biological materials.

The first part of the text focuses on presentations given by invited speakers, whereas the second part is dedicated to oral presentations and discussions. Topics include the role of water in structural and functional properties, preserving biomolecule functionality in restricted water environments, and micro- and nano- techniques used for assessing water-solid interactions in food and drug development.

This book is an invaluable resource that synthesizes cutting-edge information with innovativeviewpoints from internationally esteemed researchers who participated in ISOPOW 2004.