Electrocatalysts are the heart of power devices where electricity is produced via conversion of chemical into electrical energy. - pressive advances in surface science techniques and in first pr- ciples computational design are providing new avenues for signi- cant improvement of the overall efficiencies of such power dev- es, especially because of an increase in the understanding of el- trocatalytic materials and processes. For example, the devel- ment of high resolution instrumentation including various electron and ion-scattering and in-situ synchrotron spectroscopies, elect- chemical scanning tunneling microscopy, and a plethora of new developments in analytical chemistry and electrochemical te- niques, permits the detailed characterization of atomic distribution, before, during, and after a reaction takes place, giving unpre- dented information about the status of the catalyst during the re- tion, and most importantly the time evolution of the exposed ca- lytic surfaces at the atomistic level. These techniques are c- plemented by the use of ab initio methods which do not require input from experimental information, and are based on numerical solutions of the time-independent Schrodinger equation including electron-electron and electron-atom interactions. These fir- principles computational methods have reached a degree of - turity such that their use to provide guidelines for interpretation of experiments and for materials design has become a routine practice in academic and industrial communities.

This invaluable book focuses on the mechanisms of formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the electrode surfaces of lithium-ion batteries. The SEI film is due to electrochemical reduction of species present in the electrolyte. It is widely recognized that the presence of the film plays an essential role in the battery performance, and its very nature can determine an extended (or shorter) life for the battery. In spite of the numerous related research efforts, details on the stability of the SEI composition and its influence on the battery capacity are still controversial. This book carefully analyzes and discusses the most recent findings and advances on this topic.

Electrocatalysts are the heart of power devices where electricity is produced via conversion of chemical into electrical energy. - pressive advances in surface science techniques and in first pr- ciples computational design are providing new avenues for signi- cant improvement of the overall efficiencies of such power dev- es, especially because of an increase in the understanding of el- trocatalytic materials and processes. For example, the devel- ment of high resolution instrumentation including various electron and ion-scattering and in-situ synchrotron spectroscopies, elect- chemical scanning tunneling microscopy, and a plethora of new developments in analytical chemistry and electrochemical te- niques, permits the detailed characterization of atomic distribution, before, during, and after a reaction takes place, giving unpre- dented information about the status of the catalyst during the re- tion, and most importantly the time evolution of the exposed ca- lytic surfaces at the atomistic level. These techniques are c- plemented by the use of ab initio methods which do not require input from experimental information, and are based on numerical solutions of the time-independent Schrodinger equation including electron-electron and electron-atom interactions. These fir- principles computational methods have reached a degree of - turity such that their use to provide guidelines for interpretation of experiments and for materials design has become a routine practice in academic and industrial communities.

This work gives a comprehensive overview on materials, processes and technological challenges for electrochemical storage and conversion of energy. Optimization and development of electrochemical cells requires consideration of the cell as a whole, taking into account the complex interplay of all individual components. Considering the availability of resources, their environmental impact and requirements for recycling, the design of new concepts has to be based on the understanding of relevant processes at an atomic level.