Alternative and renewable energy sources Books
Nova Science Publishers Inc Microalgae for Biofuel Production & CO2
Book SynopsisOwing to their vast diversity and high growth rate, microalgae offer numerous advantages as the most promising photosynthetic organisms for biofuel production and CO2 bio-sequestration. Two different processes have been proposed for these purposes: microalgal farming and ocean fertilisation. This book focuses primarily on the former while providing a brief introduction to the latter.
£80.24
Nova Science Publishers Inc Ethanol & Corn: Changes from Expanding Use
Book SynopsisU.S. policy to expand the production of biofuel for domestic energy use has significant implications for agriculture and resource use. While ongoing research and development investment may radically alter the way biofuel is produced in the future, for now, corn-based ethanol continues to account for most biofuel production. As corn ethanol production increases, so does the production of corn. The effect on agricultural commodity markets has been national, but commodity production adjustments, and resulting environmental consequences, vary across regions. Changes in the crop sector have also affected the cost of feed for livestock producers. As the Nation demands more biofuel production, and markets for new biofuel feedstocks, such as crop residues emerge, the agricultural landscape will be further transformed. This book explores the changes and expanding usage of ethanol and corn biofuels.
£86.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc Advances in Energy Research: Volume 5
Book Synopsis
£196.49
Nova Science Publishers Inc U.S. Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Export
Book SynopsisThe Obama Administration believes strongly that the United States must lead the clean energy economy of the 21st century. When more of our electricity comes from clean energy, our economy will be more stable, our country more secure, our people healthier and our environment more sustainable. In addition, building a robust clean energy industry will help create the high-paying, high-technology jobs our country''s future requires. This book examines the U.S. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative which the Obama Administration has launched and which is the most concerted effort to date to develop America''s capacity for manufacturing clean energy technologies.
£67.14
Nova Science Publishers Inc Biomass for Biopower: Feedstock Supply
Book SynopsisBiopower -- a form of renewable energy -- is the generation of electric power from biomass feedstocks. Biopower, which comprised about 1% of electricity generation in 2008, may reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide energy security, and promote economic development. Federal policy-makers are supporting biopower through feedstock supply analysis and biopower technology assessments.
£198.39
Nova Science Publishers Inc Renewable Electricity Generation: Resources,
Book SynopsisThe United States faces important decisions about future energy supply and use. A key question is how renewable energy resources might be used to meet U.S. energy needs in general, and to meet U.S. electricity needs specifically. This book provides a summary of U.S. electricity generation potential from wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, ocean-hydrokinetic, and biomass sources of renewable energy. An assessment of U.S. renewable electricity generation potential and how renewables might satisfy electric power sector demand is discussed, as are the challenges, issues and barriers that might limit renewable electricity generation deployment.
£113.59
Nova Science Publishers Inc Ocean Energy: Technologies & Potential
Book Synopsis
£198.39
Nova Science Publishers Inc Solar Power, Renewable Portfolio Standards &
Book SynopsisAmong the available options for encouraging the increased deployment of renewable electricity, renewables portfolio standards (RPS) have become increasingly popular. The RPS is a relatively new policy mechanism, however, and experience with its use is only beginning to emerge. One key concern that has been voiced is whether RPS policies will offer adequate support to a wide range of renewable energy technologies and applications or whether, alternatively, RPS programs will favour a small number of the currently least-cost forms of renewable energy. This book documents the design of and early experience with state-level RPS programs in the United States that have been specifically tailored to encourage a wider diversity of renewable energy technologies, and solar energy in particular. State-level RPS programs specifically designed to support solar energy have already proven to be an important, albeit somewhat modest, driver for solar energy deployment, and those impacts are projected to continue to build in coming years.
£127.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc Solar Power for Communities: Guidance for Local
Book SynopsisAs demand for energy increases, many communities are seeking ways to meet this demand with clean, safe, reliable energy from renewable sources such as sun and wind. Fortunately, many of the key technologies that can unlock the power of these renewable resources are available on the market today. While the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continues to fund research and development (R&D) to improve solar technologies, DOE is also focusing on accelerating a robust nation-wide market for the currently available technologies. Advances in solar technology, an increase in federal and state tax incentives, and creative new financing models have made solar projects including community solar projects, more financially feasible. This book focuses on the availability of solar power for communities along with a guidance for local stockholders.
£198.39
Nova Science Publishers Inc Biofuel Use in the U.S.: Impact & Challenges
Book Synopsis
£106.49
Nova Science Publishers Inc Hydropower & Energy Potential at Non-Powered Dams
Book SynopsisThe United States has produced clean, renewable electricity from hydropower for more than 100 years, but hydropower-producing facilities represent only a fraction of the infrastructure development that has taken place on the nation''s waterways. In contrast to the roughly 2,500 dams, the United States has more than 80,000 non-powered dams (NPDs)-- dams that do not produce electricityproviding a variety of services ranging from water supply to inland navigation. Importantly, many of the monetary costs and environmental impacts of dam construction have already been incurred at NPDs, so adding power to the existing dam structure can often be achieved at lower cost, with less risk, and in a shorter time-frame than development requiring new dam construction. This book discusses hydropower generation, government involvement at federal and non-federal levels and the energy potential at non-powered dams.
£63.74
Nova Science Publishers Inc Role of Renewable Energy Certificates in New
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc Renewable Energy Products: Labeling, Production
Book Synopsis
£135.19
Nova Science Publishers Inc Voluntary Markets in Renewable Energy: Status,
Book SynopsisThis book examines 2011 trends in the U.S. "voluntary" markets - those in which consumers and institutions purchase renewable energy to match their electricity needs on a voluntary basis. This review uses available data sources to capture 2011 voluntary market trends, status and options.
£126.74
Nova Science Publishers Inc Guide to Purchasing Green Power & a Summary of
Book Synopsis
£135.19
Nova Science Publishers Inc Renewable Energy Systems: Theory, Innovations &
Book Synopsis
£245.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc Renewable Energy: Economics, Emerging
Book SynopsisClimate change and foreseen high fuel prices play an important role in the development of alternative energy sources. Renewable energy concerns the sources, which are not expected to be depleted in a time frame relevant to the human race. This new and important edited volume gathers the latest research from around the globe in the study of renewable energy sources and highlights such topics as economics, emerging technologies and global practices including energy policies. It provides an insight into the current trends in the field of renewable energy, which are expected to play an important role in future sustainable energy systems. It is not by any means exhaustive, nor is it intended to be, but provides an overview of current research advancements in the field. This edited volume can serve as a reference text for researchers in the field of sustainable energy systems including energy economics, energy planners, electric utility managers, energy regulators, consultants, policy makers and economists.
£170.39
Nova Science Publishers Inc Biomass Processing, Conversion & Biorefinery
Book SynopsisBiomass presents an attractive source for the production of fuels and chemicals, mainly due to the concerns over the depleting fossil fuel, growing awareness of environmental issues associated with fossil fuel consumption, and increasing world energy demand. Biomass resources include agricultural and forest residues, energy crops, livestock residues as well as municipal solid waste. These biomass resources are first processed into a conversion-friendly form, followed by the transformation to a wide range of energy and/or chemical products using two primary biorefinery platforms: biochemical and thermochemical. This book covers the most recent advances in biomass processing, biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies, and thus, serves as a useful reference to agriculture engineers, chemical engineers, biotechnology engineers and engineering students. The contents of the book are divided into three sections: biomass overview and processing, biomass thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies, and integrated biorefinery processes.
£230.39
Nova Science Publishers Inc Renewable Energy Development on Federal Lands
Book SynopsisConcerns over reliance on imported oil and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use have led to increased interest in producing electricity from renewable sources, including wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Because federal lands, including those managed by the Departments of Agriculture and Interior, encompass areas with high renewable energy potential, interest has increased in permitting such activity on those lands. EPAct 2005 includes several provisions intended to increase renewable energy development on federal lands, including goals for approving renewable energy projects. This book examines the status of renewable energy permitting on federal land, including time frames for processing permits applied for since 2005; and the actions federal land management agencies have taken to facilitate this development.
£126.74
Nova Science Publishers Inc United States Fossil Fuel Exports: Developments,
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc Federal Green Jobs Efforts: Renewable Energy
Book SynopsisIn the United States, growing awareness of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the possible implications for global climate change have combined with recent high energy prices and economic uncertainty to rekindle interest in renewable energy. Renewable energy technologies generate electricity from resources such as the sun, wind, or biomass, with essentially no net GHG emissions. President Obama has declared a goal for the United States to become the world''s leading exporter of renewable energy technologies, setting out policy objectives for the development of related "green jobs". This book discusses what "green job" are, and provides highlights on challenges of targeted training programs for emerging industries.
£999.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc Renewable Fuel Standard: Overview, Issues, Future
Book SynopsisFederal policy has played a key role in the emergence of the U.S. biofuels industry. Policy measures have included minimum renewable fuel usage requirements, blending and production tax credits, an import tariff, loans and loan guarantees, and research grants. One of the more prominent forms of federal policy support is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) -- whereby a minimum volume of biofuels is to be used in the national transportation fuel supply each year. This book describes the general nature of the RFS mandate and its implementation, and outlines some emerging issues related to the continued growth of U.S. biofuels production needed to fulfill the expanding RFS mandate, the potential inability of the domestic market to absorb ethanol above a 10% share of domestic gasoline fuels (a problem known as the "blend wall"), and the emergence of potential unintended consequences of this rapid expansion.
£155.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development
Book SynopsisContribution of renewable energy to human life is essential for sustainable life on Earth. The renewable energy industry is growing rapidly to fulfil the energy demand of the continuously developing world and has become the focal centre of many researchers across the globe. This development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development ties together concerns for the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social challenges faced by humanity. This book is intended to highlight various aspects for applications of renewable energy and sustainability. This work is a collaborative attempt to elaborate useful technical information from many countries across the globe about the competent and effective use of renewable energy systems. This book presents theoretical and experimental analysis, case studies and models in renewable energy systems issues related to Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Bio Energy, Tidal Energy, Geothermal Energy, Fuel Cells, and Energy Storage Systems. This book also contains different considerations in order to develop products contributing to the sustainability of life.
£159.74
Nova Science Publishers Inc Justification of Long-Term Economic Policy of
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Nova Science Publishers Inc State & Federal Supports for Utility-Scale
Book SynopsisThe states and the federal government have supported the development of electricity generation projects in a variety of ways. In recent years, state and federal supports have been targeted toward renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, although there have been some supports for projects using traditional sources -- natural gas, coal, and nuclear. This book identifies key state supports for these projects; examines key federal support provided through outlays, loan programs, and tax expenditures for these projects; and examines how state and federal supports affect the development of new renewable projects. Furthermore, this book provides a brief discussion on the renewable electricity production tax credit.
£999.99
Island Press Rural Renaissance: Revitalizing America's
Book SynopsisFor decades, we’ve heard that local, renewable power is on the horizon, and cheaper technologies will one day revolutionise our energy system. Michelle Moore has spent her career proving this opportunity is already here—and any community, no matter how small, can build their own clean energy future. Rural Renaissance: Revitalizing America’s Hometowns Through Clean Power is the inspiring and practical guide to igniting this transition today. In Rural Renaissance, Moore argues we don’t have to wait for new legislation or technologies to begin our work. From the White House to her hometown in rural Georgia, Moore has gathered the tools needed to bring the far-reaching benefits of clean power to small communities, particularly in rural America. In this accessible guide, Moore provides an overview of the current energy landscape, including the federal, state, and local policies that will shape each community’s unique approach. Next, she describes five pathways to clean power in rural America and strategies for achieving them, including energy efficiency, renewable power, resilience (including microgrids and battery storage), the electrification of transportation, and finally, broadband internet. Throughout this journey, Moore shares stories of challenges and successes and encourages readers to design programmes that address inequality. Clean energy shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy or for sleek and modern city centres. Rural Renaissance offers a vision of thriving rural communities where clean power is the spark that leads to greater investment, vitality, and equity. We can start today—and this book provides the toolbox.Table of ContentsPrologue Introduction Chapter 1: The Roots of Rural Power Chapter 2: Localization: Our Energy Futures Chapter 3: Thousands of Local Energy Democracies Chapter 4: Growth for the Greater Good Chapter 5: Energy Efficiency: The First Fuel as a First Step Chapter 6: Solar: The Last Crop Chapter 7: Energy Resilience and Self-Reliance Chapter 8: EVs: The Transformation of Transportation Chapter 9: Rural Broadband, Smart Grids, and Rural Power Chapter 10: Scale Without Losing Local Control Conclusion: Sharing Power Epilogue: Going Home Acknowledgements Notes About the Author
£999.99
OR Books People's Power: Reclaiming the Energy Commons
Book SynopsisThe science is conclusive: to avoid irreversible climate collapse, the burning of all fossil fuels will have to end in the next decade. In this concise and highly readable intervention, Ashley Dawson sets out what is required to make this momentous shift: simply replacing coal-fired power plants with for-profit solar energy farms will only maintain the toxic illusion that it is possible to sustain relentlessly expanding energy consumption. We can no longer think of energy as a commodity. Instead we must see it as part of the global commons, a vital element in the great stock of air, water, plants, and cultural forms like language and art that are the inheritance of humanity as a whole. People’s Power provides a persuasive critique of a market-led transition to renewable energy. It surveys the early development of the electric grid in the United States, telling the story of battles for public control over power during the Great Depression. This history frames accounts of contemporary campaigns, in both the United States and Europe, that eschew market fundamentalism and sclerotic state power in favor of energy that is green, democratically managed and equitably shared.Trade Review“An elegant, controversial thesis” —The Guardian “For anyone wanting to understand what comes after oil and how we might get there.” —Imre Szeman, author of On Petrocultures “A gift to activists, providing a clear and accessible history of energy as well as a vision towards the publicly owned, democratically controlled, 100% renewable world we need.” —Aaron Eisenberg, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation “A brilliant guide to building collective, equitable, and radical energy democracies in the here and now.” —Lavinia Steinfort, Transnational Institute
£15.19
Royal Society of Chemistry Next-Generation Materials for Energy Chemistry:
Book SynopsisThe development of renewable, low cost, high performance energy technologies is a key scientific challenge for the 21st century. Many of these energy applications involve numerous dynamic energy and mass transfer processes at the length scale of sub-nanometers to micrometers that require the collaborative participation of various functional material components. To create efficient, stable and reproducible energy systems, effective integration of material components from atomic, molecular, nano to meso-scale is crucial. However, the most challenging aspect is to integrate the required components together while optimising the performance of each component and even creating new synergetic effects. In the past decade, considerable research attention has been devoted to the fabrication of single-length scale / component materials for energy applications. This title will centre on discussing how individual functional components at different length scale can be effectively integrated into next-generation energy materials. Aimed at today’s experimentalists and theoreticians, chemists, physicists and materials scientists, this book will cross-boundaries and discuss energy-related information.Table of ContentsSystem integration from atomic, molecular, nano to meso scale towards optimised design of energy materials; Design of material systems to optimize the energy enrichment of renewable sources for photochemical, thermal-to-electric conversion, and mechanical-to-electric conversion systems; How interfacial chemistry takes place in the energy-related processes, focusing on design principles of efficient (electro)catalysts, in-situ characterization methods and theories in energy conversion and storage; New materials and innovations for energy applications, including new light harvesting materials/semiconductors, plasmonics-enhanced energy conversion, new catalysts for biomass conversion, and energy-related bioinspiration/biomimetic systems
£161.50
Royal Society of Chemistry Photocatalysis: Fundamentals and Perspectives
Book SynopsisCombining the basic concepts of photocatalysis with the synthesis of new catalysts, reactor and reaction engineering, this book provides a comprehensive resource on the topic. The book introduces the fundamental aspects of photocatalysis including the role of surface chemistry and understanding the chemistry of photocatalytic processes before exploring the theory and experimental studies of charge carrier dynamics. Specific chapters then cover new materials for the degradation of organics; water splitting and CO2 reduction; as well as reactor and reaction engineering. Researchers new to this discipline can learn the first principles, whilst experienced researchers can gain further information about aspects in photocatalysis beyond their area of expertise. Together with Photocatalysis: Applications, these volumes provide a complete overview to photocatalysis.Table of ContentsPhotoelectrochemistry: From Basic Principles to Photocatalysis; Understanding the Chemistry of Photocatalytic Processes; Current Issues Concerning the Mechanism of Pristine TiO2 Photocatalysis and the Effects on Photonic Crystal Nanostructures; Specificity in Photocatalysis; Photoexcitation in Pure and Modified Semiconductor Photocatalysts; New Concepts in Photocatalysis; Kinetic Processes in the Presence of Photogenerated Charge Carriers; Traps and Interfaces in Photocatalysis: Model Studies on TiO2 Particle Systems; Interplay Between Physical and Chemical Events in Photoprocesses in Heterogeneous Systems; New Materials Outline; New Materials for Degradation of Organics; New Materials for Water Splitting; New Materials for CO2 Reduction; Fundamentals of Radiation Transport in Absorbing Scattering Media; Photocatalytic Reactor Design; Photocatalytic Reactor Modeling.
£170.05
Royal Society of Chemistry Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide:
Book SynopsisOne of the crucial challenges in the energy sector is the efficient capture and utilisation of CO2 generated from fossil fuels. Carbon capture and storage technologies can provide viable alternatives for energy intensive processes, although implementation of large-scale demonstrators remains challenging. Therefore, innovative technologies are needed that are capable of processing CO2 emission from a wide range of sources, ideally without additional fossil energy demand (e.g. solar driven or overcoming the limits of photosynthesis). This book covers the most recent developments in the field of electrochemical reduction of CO2, from first-principle mechanistic studies to technological perspectives. An introduction to basic concepts in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis is included to provide a background for newcomers to this field. This book provides a comprehensive overview for researchers and industrial chemists working in environmental science, electrochemistry and chemical engineering.Table of ContentsIntroduction to the Electrochemical and Photo-electrochemical Reduction of CO2; Bio-inspired and Bio-electrochemical Approaches in CO2 Reduction Catalysis; Copper Catalysts for the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide; Single-crystal Surfaces as Model Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction; Homogeneous M(bpy)(CO)3X and Aromatic N-heterocycle Catalysts for CO2 Reduction; DFT Modelling Tools in CO2 Conversion: Reaction Mechanism Screening and Analysis; Electrocarboxylation in Ionic Liquids; IR Spectro-electrochemistry and Group-6 a-diimine Catalysts of CO2 Reduction; Probing CO2 Reduction Intermediates Employing in situ Spectroscopy and Spectrometry; Surface-selective and Time-resolved Spectroelectrochemical Studies of CO2 Reduction Mechanisms
£141.55
Royal Society of Chemistry Solid Oxide Electrolysis: Fuels and Feedstocks
Book SynopsisThere is great interest in converting electricity overcapacity e.g. from renewables; from fuels such as hydrogen and synthetic gasoline; or for the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia. Solid oxide electrolysis offers a high efficiency route to these conversions utilising technology similar to solid oxide fuel cells. However, there are significant differences between electrolysis and fuel cell operation, and the fundamental aspects of electrolysis have received little attention. This Faraday Discussion brings together the research of leading scientists to address the fundamental aspects of solid oxide electrolysis. Research in this field could yield a new clean chemical industry, potentially allowing greater harvesting of renewables by storing excess energy in a more useful and higher energy density form than electricity.Table of ContentsFundamental Electrochemistry; Materials Development; Understanding Durability; System Studies.
£161.50
Royal Society of Chemistry Unconventional Thin Film Photovoltaics
Book SynopsisCovering both organic materials, where recent advances in the understanding of device physics is driving progress, and the newly emerging field of mixed halide perovskites, which are challenging the efficiencies of conventional thin film PV cells, this book provides a balanced overview of the experimental and theoretical aspects of these two classes of solar cell. The book explores both the experimental and theoretical aspects of these solar cell classes. Emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamental physics of the devices. The book also discusses modelling over many length scales, from nano to macro. The first book to cover perovskites, this is an important reference for industrialists and researchers working in energy technologies and materials.Table of ContentsOrganic-inorganic Hybrid Nanostructured Solar Cells; Stability and Efficiency of Organic Polymeric Solar Cells; Small Molecule Organic Solar Cells; Multi-dimensional Drift-diffusion and Monte Carlo Modelling of Organic POV; Morphology and Transport in Organic PV; Drift Diffusion and Optical Modelling of Organic PV; Modelling of Perovskite Solar Cells; Electronic Structure of Perovskites; Perovskites as Solar Absorbers; Interfaces in Perovskite Solar Cells; Organic Photovoltaics: Electronic Structure and Interfaces.
£160.55
Royal Society of Chemistry Thermoelectric Materials and Devices
Book SynopsisThermal energy harvesting is predicted to become a global, billion-pound market by 2020. This book provides a current perspective of recent developments and trends within thermoelectric materials and devices for power energy harvesting applications. The book highlights the potential of thermoelectrics in the context of a low carbon energy economy, and features in-depth coverage of a range of different fabrication methods for thermoelectric materials including electrodeposition. Topics covered include layered and pseudo-layered materials, thermoelectric oxides, nano- and micro-fabrication techniques, high-throughput thermoelectric measurement techniques and power mining. This book is ideal for researchers and industrialists in materials science.Table of ContentsZintl Phases: Recent Developments in Thermoelectrics and Future Outlook; Chalcogenide Thermoelectric Materials; Thermoelectric Oxides; Nano- and Micro-fabrication Techniques for Improving Thermoelectric Materials and Generators; Review of the Methods for Thermal Conductivity Measurements Most Appropriate for Thermoelectric Materials; High-Throughput Thermoelectric Measurement Techniques; System Design Considerations for Thermoelectric Energy Recovery; Electrodeposition of Thermoelectric Materials; Automotive Power Harvesting/Thermoelectric Applications
£151.05
Royal Society of Chemistry Nanostructured Materials for Type III
Book SynopsisMaterials for type III solar cells have branched into a series of generic groups. These include organic ‘small molecule’ and polymer conjugated structures, fullerenes, quantum dots, copper indium gallium selenide nanocrystal films, dyes/TiO2 for Grätzel cells, hybrid organic/inorganic composites and perovskites. Whilst the power conversion efficiencies of organic solar cells are modest compared to other type III photovoltaic materials, plastic semiconductors provide a cheap route to manufacture through solution processing and offer flexible devices. However, other types of materials are proving to be compatible with this type of processing whilst providing higher device efficiencies. As a result, the field is experiencing healthy competition between technologies that is pushing progress at a fast rate. In particular, perovskite solar cells have emerged very recently as a highly disruptive technology with power conversion efficiencies now over 20%. Perovskite cells, however, still have to address stability and environmental issues. With such a diverse range of materials, it is timely to capture the different technologies into a single volume of work. This book will give a collective insight into the different roles that nanostructured materials play in type III solar cells. This will be an essential text for those working with any of the devices highlighted above, providing a fundamental understanding and appreciation of the potential and challenges associated with each of these technologies.Table of ContentsReliably measuring the performance of emerging photovoltaic solar cells; Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells - Working Principle and Power Conversion Efficiency; High Performance Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) Donor Polymers; P-type molecular materials for organic solar cells; Fullerenes and new acceptors for organic solar cells; Structure/property processing relationships for organic solar cells; Charge generation and recombination processes in organic solar cells; Dye sensitised solar cells; Hybrid Solar Cells; Deposition techniques for Perovskite solar cells; CIS and CIGS nanomaterials for solar cells; Copper based Multinary Materials for Solar Cells; Quantum dots for Type III Photovoltiacs; Charge Dynamics in Colloidal Quantum Dots
£170.05
Royal Society of Chemistry Energy Storage Options and Their Environmental
Book SynopsisRecent decades have seen huge growth in the renewable energy sector, spurred on by concerns about climate change and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. One of the major difficulties raised by an increasing reliance on renewable resources is the inflexibility when it comes to controlling supply in response to demand. For example, solar energy can only be produced during the day. The development of methods for storing the energy produced by renewable sources is therefore crucial to the continued stability of global energy supplies. However, as with all new technology, it is important to consider the environmental impacts as well as the benefits. This book brings together authors from a variety of different backgrounds to explore the state-of-the-art of large-scale energy storage and examine the environmental impacts of the main categories based on the types of energy stored. A valuable resource, not just for those working and researching in the renewable energy sector, but also for policymakers around the world.Table of ContentsEnergy Sources and Supply Grids – the Growing Need for Storage; Mechanical Systems for Energy Storage – Scale and Environmental Issues; Electrochemical Storage; Electrical Storage; Photochemical Storage; Thermal and Thermochemical Storage; Smart Energy Systems; Life Cycle Analysis for Assessing Environmental Impact; Business Opportunities and the Regulatory Framework
£66.50
Royal Society of Chemistry Artificial Photosynthesis: Faraday Discussion 215
Book SynopsisArtificial photosynthesis is a process that converts solar energy into a renewable fuel, a so-called solar fuel. This rapidly developing and growing area addresses a global challenge of the 21st century: the transition from a fossil fuel-based to a sustainable economy. This field is cross-disciplinary, spanning biology and chemistry to physics and engineering, with physical chemistry at its core, essential to fundamentally understanding the underlying processes that enable light absorption, charge separation and efficient redox catalysis. Due to the dynamic pace and progress in artificial photosynthesis research we are now at a decisive stage where some of the fundamental questions have been answered and applications are becoming a reality. This volume brings together research from scientists with a broad set of expertise, aiming to find consensus on priorities in the future development of artificial photosynthesis research. It explores recent breakthroughs and contemporary challenges in the field within four key themes: Biological approaches to artificial photosynthesis Synthetic approaches to artificial photosynthesis Demonstrator devices for artificial photosynthesis Beyond artificial photosynthesisTable of ContentsBiological Approaches to Artificial Photosynthesis; Synthetic Approaches to Artificial Photosynthesis; Demonstrator Devices for Artificial Photosynthesis; Beyond Artificial Photosynthesis
£161.50
Royal Society of Chemistry Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Applications
Book SynopsisHeterogeneous catalysis plays a central role in the global energy paradigm, with practically all energy-related process relying on a catalyst at a certain point. The application of heterogeneous catalysts will be of paramount importance to achieve the transition towards low carbon and sustainable societies. This book provides an overview of the design, limitations and challenges of heterogeneous catalysts for energy applications. In an attempt to cover a broad spectrum of scenarios, the book considers traditional processes linked to fossil fuels such as reforming and hydrocracking, as well as catalysis for sustainable energy applications such as hydrogen production, photocatalysis, biomass upgrading and conversion of CO2 to clean fuels. Novel approaches in catalysts design are covered, including microchannel reactors and structured catalysts, catalytic membranes and ionic liquids. With contributions from leaders in the field, Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Applications will be an essential toolkit for chemists, physicists, chemical engineers and industrials working on energy.Table of ContentsDesign of advanced catalysts for natural gas reforming reactions; Catalysis for industrial hydrocracking processes; Catalytic Upgrading of hydrocarbon: approaches using sub and supercritical water as reaction media; Sustainable photocatalytic materials for clean energy applications; Catalytic Technologies for clean hydrogen production; Application of solid catalysts on catalytic conversion of biomass into valuable chemicals; Catalysis in modern bio-refineries: towards a new bio-energy paradigm; Microchannel reactors, structured catalysts and non-conventional reactor design for energy applications; MOFS – from material chemistry to catalytic applications; Application of Ionic Liquids for Sustainable Catalysis; Catalytic membranes and their application in green energy technologies; Catalytic Conversion of CO2 to fuels and added value Chemicals; Operando Characterisation of model energy catalysts: from fundamental aspects to real catalysts design; Catalysts design for Gas to Liquid processes; Catalytic aspects of Fuels cells and Electrolysers
£170.05
Royal Society of Chemistry Thermal Energy Storage: Materials, Devices,
Book SynopsisThermal energy storage refers to a collection of technologies that store energy in the forms of heat, cold or their combination, which currently accounts for more than half of global non-pumped hydro installations. The potential market for thermal energy storage on future low-carbon energy systems and associated social and economic impacts are enormous, with significant progress having been made in recent years. Following an introduction to thermal energy and thermal energy storage, the book is organised into four parts comprising the fundamentals, materials, devices, energy storage systems and applications of thermal energy storage. Chapters cover topics including materials properties, formulation and manufacture, as well as modelling at the material and device scale. Edited by a leader in the field, and with contributions from internationally renowned authors, this title will appeal to graduate students and researchers in energy, energy storage, materials engineering, chemical and process engineering, mechanical engineering and manufacture technologies.Table of ContentsThermodynamics of thermal energy storage; Transport phenomena in thermal energy storage; Sensible heat storage materials; Latent heat storage materials; Adsorption & absorption based thermochemical storage materials; Reversible reaction based thermochemical energy storage materials; Manufacture of thermal energy storage materials; Modelling at thermal energy storage material scale; Sensible heat storage devices; Latent heat storage devices; Thermochemical energy storage devices; Modelling at thermal energy storage device scale; Applications of thermal energy storage through integration; Modelling and optimisation of thermal energy storage systems
£170.05
Practical Action Publishing A Practical Guide to Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Book SynopsisSolar photovoltaic systems provide an environmentally sustainable source of energy and have the potential to vastly improve the lives of many people in isolated areas of the world.First published in 2008, the first edition has been used to train more than ten thousand engineers and field technicians to install and maintain such systems. The newest edition of this practical manual is enriched with new field experiences and accurate and up-to-date information on lithium-ion batteries, which enable photovoltaic systems to better store electricity - a further advance for off-grid installations particularly in remote rural areas. Essential information is included on how to calculate the system load, and how to size the PV panels, the batteries and accompanying regulators accordingly.The book also reflects other advances including increased efficiency of solar panels, and the widening range of low-energy consumer devices that are likely to be used. Full of practical advice that is easy to implement, this quick reference manual is the ideal tool for every promoter and user of solar photovoltaic systems.
£39.24
Royal Society of Chemistry Ultrathin Oxide Layers for Solar and
Book SynopsisUltrathin metal oxide layers have emerged in recent years as a powerful approach for substantially enhancing the performance of photo, electro, or thermal catalytic systems for energy, in some cases even enabling the use of highly attractive materials previously found unsuitable. This development is due to the confluence of new synthetic preparation methods for ultrathin oxide layers and a more advanced understanding of interfacial phenomena on the nano and atomic scale. This book brings together the fundamentals and applications of ultrathin oxide layers while highlighting connections and future opportunities with the intent of accelerating the use of these materials and techniques for new and emerging applications of catalysis for energy. It comprehensively covers the state-of-the-art synthetic methods of ultrathin oxide layers, their structural and functional characterization, and the broad range of applications in the field of catalysis for energy. Edited by leaders in the field, and with contributions from global experts, this title will be of interest to graduate students and researchers across materials science and chemistry who are interested in ultrathin oxide layers and their applications in solar energy conversion, renewable energy, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and protective coatings.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Oxide Coatings for Semiconductor Light Absorbers: Advanced Synthesis and Applications; Ultrathin Oxides for Solar Cells; Blocking Layers for Controlling Directional Charge Transport in Dye-sensitized Photoelectrochemical Cells; Performance Enhancement of TiO2-encapsulated Photoelectrodes Based on III–V Compound Semiconductors; Metal Oxide Co-catalyst Nanolayers on Photoelectrodes; Design Principles for Oxide-encapsulated Electrocatalysts; Synthesis Techniques for Ultrathin Oxide Layers of Heterogeneous Catalysts; Ultrathin Oxide Coatings Synthesized Via Wet Chemical Processes for Electrocatalytic Systems; Applications of Metal Oxide Layers on Particulate Photocatalysts for Water Splitting; Ultrathin Silica Layers as Separation Membranes for Artificial Photosynthesis; Outlook
£999.99
Royal Society of Chemistry 2D Nanomaterials for CO2 Conversion into
Book SynopsisSince the discovery of graphene, two-dimensional nanomaterials including Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), non-layered compounds, black phosphorous, and Xenes with large lateral dimensions, have emerged as promising candidates for heterogenous electrocatalysis owing to their exceptional physical, chemical, and electronic properties. The tremendous opportunities of using 2D nanomaterials in electrochemical CO2 reduction arises from their unique properties and vast number of applications. Covering the fundamentals, properties, and applications, all aspects of 2D nanomaterial composites within carbon dioxide conversion are discussed. The industrial scale-up and new challenges that exist in the field of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide will also be presented. With chapters written by internationally recognized researchers, this state-of-the-art overview will serve the growing interest amongst academic and industrial researchers in understanding 2D nanomaterials composites, their hidden interfaces and nanoscale dispersion of the metal oxide with nanocomposites for specific uses in carbon dioxide conversion to chemicals for fuel applications. This book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in materials science, energy, and environmental science, as well as those in industry.Table of ContentsA Fundamental Approach Towards Carbon Dioxide Conversion to Chemicals and Fuels: Current Trends for CO2 Utilization Technologies;Synthesis and Characterization of Two Dimensional Materials;Synthesis of Two-dimensional Hybrid Materials, Unique Properties, and Challenges;CO2 Conversion to Chemicals and Fuel Cells Using Renewable Energy Sources;Two-dimensional Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 into Energy-rich Chemicals;Two-dimensional Based Hybrid Materials for CO2-to-fuels Electrochemical Conversion CO2 Process;Two-dimensional Nanomaterials Design and Reactor Engineering of Different Methods for CO2 Electrochemical Conversion Process;Photoelectrochemical CO2 Conversion Through the Utilization of Non-oxide Two-dimensional Nanomaterials;Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 into Energy-rich Chemicals by Two-dimensional Nanomaterials;Two-dimensional Based Hybrid Materials for Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 into Hydrocarbon Fuels;Catalytic Thermal Conversion of CO2 to Fuels Using Two-dimensional Nanomaterials;Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane to Ethylene Over Two-dimensional Nanomaterials Catalysts Using CO2;A Comparative Study of 0D, 1D, and 2D Nanocatalysts Towards CO2 Conversion;CO2 Capture and Conversion Using Different Renewable Sources;CO2 Capture by Functionalized Two-dimensional Nanomaterials; Conversion of CO2 into Energy Dense Chemicals and the Commercialization Using Two-dimensional Nanomaterials as Catalysts
£160.55
Royal Society of Chemistry Molecular Solar Fuels
Book SynopsisWorld demand for energy is rapidly increasing and finding sufficient supplies of clean energy for the future is one of the major scientific challenges of today. This book presents the latest knowledge and chemical prospects in developing hydrogen as a solar fuel. Using oxygenic photosynthesis and hydrogenase enzymes for bio-inspiration, it explores strategies for developing photocatalysts to produce a molecular solar fuel. The book begins with perspective of solar energy utilization and the role that synthetic photocatalysts can play in producing solar fuels. It then summarizes current knowledge with respect to light capture, photochemical conversion, and energy storage in chemical bonds. Following chapters on the natural systems, the book then summarizes the latest developments in synthetic chemistry of photo- and reductive catalysts. Finally, important future research goals for the practical utilization of solar energy are discussed. The book is written by experts from various fields working on the biological and synthetic chemical side of molecular solar fuels to facilitate advancement in this area of research.Table of ContentsPart I: Perspectives on Molecular Solar Fuels; Chapter 1: Solar Energy Utilization; Chapter 2: Engineering Low-Barrier Photocatalysts; Part II: The Capture of Solar Energy; Chapter 3: Bacteriorhodopsins - The Simplest Phototransducers; Chapter 4: Photosynthetic Light-Harvesting Complexes - The Most Efficient Light Gatherers; Chapter 5: Synthetic Light-Harvesting Pigment Arrays; Part III: Photochemical Conversion of Solar Energy; Chapter 6: Natural Photosynthetic Reaction Centers - Charge Separation with High Quantum Yields; Chapter 7: Wired Reaction Centers; Chapter 8: Bioelectrodes; Chapter 9: Charge Stabilization in Polymer Films; Part IV: Storage of Solar Energy; Chapter 10: The Photosynthetic Water-Splitting Complex; Chapter 11: Biomimics of the Water-Splitting Active Site; Chapter 12: Biological H2 Generation; Chapter 13: Biomimics of the hydrogenase active site; Part V: Future Goals; Chapter 14: Photocatalysts that Split Water and Produce H2 and O2 Within the Same Molecular Assembly; Chapter 15: Light-driven water oxidation and CO2 reduction; Chapter 16: Synthetic Biology
£137.74
Royal Society of Chemistry Solar Energy Conversion: Dynamics of Interfacial
Book SynopsisThe importance of developing new, clean and renewable sources of energy will continue to grow in the foreseeable future and so will the need for the education of researchers in this field of research. The interest and challenges of the field continue to shift from simple homogeneous solutions to increasingly more complex heterogeneous systems and interfaces. Over the past decade there have been numerous theoretical and experimental breakthroughs many of which still exist only in the primary literature. The aim of this book is to gather in one volume the description of modern, sometimes exploratory, experimental and theoretical techniques applied to the dynamics of interfacial electron and electronic excitation transfer processes studied in the context of solar energy conversion. The intended treatment will be fundamental in nature and thus applicable to a broad range of hybrid photovoltaic and photocatalytic materials and interfaces. The book will focus on the dynamic aspects of the electron injection, exciton and carrier relaxation processes, as well as coherence effects, which continue to provide the impetus and the greatest challenge for the development of new methodologies.Table of ContentsDesign and characterization of molecular adsorbates for solar energy conversion; Charge and exciton dynamics in semiconductor quantum dots: a time-domain, ab initio view; Multiscale modelling of interfacial electron transfer; Plasmon-enhanced solar chemistry: electrodynamics and quantum mechanics; Charge carrier generation, separation, recombination and transport in nanostructured materials; Two-dimensional photon echo spectroscopy and energy transfer; Ultrafast imaging and microscopy of energy conversion materials; Ultrafast multiphoton photoemission microscopy of solid surfaces in the real and reciprocal space; Light at the tip: hybrid scanning tunnelling/optical spectroscopy microscopy; Time resolved IR spectroscopy of metal oxides and interfaces; Carrier dynamics in photovoltaic structures and materials studied with time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy; Time-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy for solar energy research.
£151.99
Royal Society of Chemistry Catalysts for Alcohol-Fuelled Direct Oxidation
Book SynopsisEnergy and environment issues are of paramount importance to achieve the sustainable development of our society. Alcohol-fuelled direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), as a clean and highly-efficient energy harvesting engine, have attracted intensive research activity over recent decades. Electrocatalysts are the material at the very heart of the cell that determines the performance of DOFCs. The rapid advances in electrocatalysts, particularly nano-sized ones, have left current information only available in scattered journals. To be truly useful to both present and future researchers, a new book is needed to present an insightful review of the reaction nature of this research and to systematically summarize recent advances in nanocatalysts, and convey a more global perspective. Catalysts for Alcohol-fuelled Direct Oxidation Fuel Cells will present a state-of-the-art review on recent advances in nanocatalysts and electrocatalysis in DOFCs, including both proton and hydroxide ion exchange membrane fuel cells. The main topics covered include a molecular-level understanding of electrocatalysis, the design principles of electrocatalysts, recent advances in nanocatalysts and future perspectives for DOFCs. The book presents a cutting-edge collection on nanocatalysts for alcohol-fuelled direct oxidation fuel cells and brings together the most authoritative researchers in the field from both industry and academia, filling the gap between both sides. Finally, the book will provide an insightful review on electrocatalysis at the molecular- level, which will be useful for postgraduate students and junior researchers in this field. It will be an essential resource for postgraduates, researchers and policy-makers globally in academia, industry, and government institutions.Trade Review“Catalysts for Alcohol-Fuelled Direct Oxidation Fuel Cells” is aimed at a general audience with an interest in low power fuel cells, as well as experts in the area. The book is edited by Zhen-Xing Liang, Lecturer at the South China University of Technology, and Tim S. Zhao, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and director of the HKUST Energy Institute. The book contains seven chapters in 264 pages and reviews the catalysis of alcohol electrooxidation in low-temperature fuel cells. The reader will fi nd a general overview of the catalysis involved in the oxidation of alcohols such as methanol and ethanol. More unusually the oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol are also described in detail. Although the title for this book is specifi c to alcohol fuel cells it also contains individual chapters describing the oxidation of other fuels of interest such as formic acid, borohydride and sugars. The book concludes with a chapter on the challenges that alcohol fuel cells need to overcome. Role of the Platinum Group Metals Many of the book’s chapters are easy to read even for people with little experience in the area. Chapter 1, ‘Electrocatalysis of Alcohol Oxidation Reactions at Platinum Group Metals’, by Claude Lamy (University of Montpellier, France) and Christophe Coutanceau (Université de Poitiers, France), starts with a good if simplistic overview about what constitutes fuel cell effi ciency. This is an important subject and the authors’ general description can easily be followed by students in chemistry or related subjects. The authors highlight that the theoretical effi ciencies for methanol/air and ethanol/air fuel cells are actually higher than hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells. This is a great foundation for the book because it really justifi es the need for research in this area. The chapter continues with a very simplistic description of the methods used for the synthesis and characterisation of fuel cell catalysts, from well-known chemical and electrochemical approaches to more exotic methods such as plasmaenhanced techniques. The content fl ows in a logical order with this introduction followed by dedicated sections describing in detail the oxidation of different fuels. The oxidation of methanol or ethanol is described in acidic environments, mainly for the wellknown platinum-based binary catalysts PtM/C (M = ruthenium or tin), at different atomic ratios. The authors describe the differences in reactivity when using different atomic ratios such as Pt0.5Ru0.5, Pt0.8Ru0.2, Pt3Sn and Pt9Sn. These binaries are known to be active because of the effi cient removal of adsorbed carbon monoxide (via the bifunctional mechanism), a common intermediate in the oxidation of primary alcohols. In contrast, the oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol is described mainly in alkaline media with the authors focusing on the use of carbon supported platinum, platinum-palladium and platinum-palladium-bismuth for the oxidation of ethylene glycol and platinum, palladium and gold catalysts and their binaries and ternaries such as PtPd, PtBi, PdBi and PtPdBi for the oxidation of glycerol. The chapter offers a good introduction, although it lacks references to the use of commercial catalysts for methanol oxidation (1, 2). Catalyst Preparation Chapter 2, ‘Nanoalloy Electrocatalysts for Alcohol Oxidation Reactions’, by Jun Yin (Cornell University, New York, USA) et al. describes the use of PtAu catalysts for alcohol oxidation. The synthesis of PtAu catalysts is a very interesting topic with challenging nanoscale catalyst preparation. Nanoscale gold has been shown to produce surface oxygenated species such as gold(III) oxide, adsorbed gold hydroxide or gold(III) hydroxide which are highly active for the M1 M2 Precursors Capping agent Reduction or decomposition Wet chemical synthesis Assembly on support Thermal treatment Supported catalyst Assembly Activation (a) (b) 30 nm (c) 30 nm M1mM2100–m + Fig. 1. (a) A general scheme showing the molecularly engineered synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles capped with a monolayer shell of oleic acid/oleylamine and the preparation of bimetallic nanoparticles supported on carbon powders or carbon nanotubes by assembly and activation. Transmission electron microscopy images showing: (b) Au22Pt78 nanoparticles supported on carbon black; and (c) Au nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes (Reproduced by permission of The Royal Society of Chemistry) removal of adsorbed CO, especially in alkaline media. Traditional methods for PtAu catalyst preparation are mentioned such as co-precipitation, impregnation with subsequent reduction, and calcination. More interestingly, the synthesis of Au and PtAu supported nanoparticles via the molecular encapsulation synthesis is described (Figure 1). This approach involves three steps: (a) chemical synthesis of metal nanocrystal cores with molecular encapsulation; (b) assembly of the encapsulated nanoparticles on support materials; and (c) thermal treatment of the supported nanoparticles. A brief mention of core–shell type PtAu nanoparticles is also included although no characterisation data is shown. PtAu nanoparticles with different atomic compositions are presented for the oxidation of methanol in alkaline and acidic media. An iron(II,III) oxide Fe3O4@Au@Pt ternary is presented as a more active catalyst than Pt in acidic media. The chapter fi nishes with a section dedicated to the characterisation of PtAu particles and includes experimental data from different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) which adds detailed information to help understand the catalysis. Quantum Mechanical Modelling Chapter 3, ‘Theoretical Studies of Formic Acid Oxidation’, by Wang Gao and Timo Jacob (Universität Ulm, Germany), is the only chapter dedicated to the use of quantum mechanical modelling for the understanding of chemical reactions at the molecular level. Although formic acid is not an alcohol, it is of interest in terms of fuel cell effi ciency for low power electronics. The authors cover the oxidation of formic acid in ultra-high vacuum conditions and also with increasing water coverage. Importantly, they pay attention to the effect of the electrochemical potential on the formic acid dehydrogenation and include a detailed discussion of the adsorbed products that are formed. A detailed and informative discussion of the different reaction pathways, direct and indirect, is presented. Readers with some experience in the fi eld will fi nd the content extremely interesting. It is slightly disappointing that the editors did not include more content towards the use of theoretical modelling for the oxidation of alcohols. Catalysis by Gold Chapter 4, ‘Gold Leaf Based Electrocatalysts’, by Rongyue Wang and Yi Ding (Shandong University, China) is dedicated to the use of nanoporous gold leaf (NPG-leaf) as an alternative catalyst for the oxidation of formic acid and alcohols in alkaline media. The chapter describes the formation of NPG by chemical dissolution also known as dealloying. This is a wellknown process and has been applied for many years in the manufacturing of high surface area catalysts. The authors present as an example the formation of NPG from a gold-silver alloy. Selective dissolution of Ag leads to the formation of a porous structure (Figure 2) (3). The authors describe the excellent research done by John Newman (University of California, Berkeley, USA) et al. (4) and Jonah Erlebacher (Johns Hopkins University, USA) et al. (5) and the reader is advised to follow up these references for further, detailed information. Overall NPG-Pt catalysts give very low benefi t compared to Pt/C. In fact, the area of dealloying is currently an ongoing research topic aimed at the design of highly active catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in H2/O2 fuel cells. Experts in the area such as Professor Doctor Peter Strasser, now at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany, have documented very interesting results with the study of dealloyed particles and their use as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (6, 7). However, the use of dealloyed catalysts has not been well documented for alcohol oxidation. (a) 120 nm (b) 500 nm Fig. 2. Scanning electron microscopy images of a nanoporous gold leaf (Reproduced by permission of The Royal Society of Chemistry and Alkali Metal Borohydrides Chapter 5, ‘Nanocatalysts for Direct Borohydride Oxidation in Alkaline Media’ by Christophe Coutanceau et al. considers the use of alkali metal borohydrides as fuels. Sodium borohydride is preferred because it offers a compromise between specifi c energy density and relative abundance. The authors clearly explain the anodic and cathodic reactions that occur in a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) and the theoretical effi ciency of a system capable of achieving the 8 electron reaction. Due to the alkaline environment used the catalysts considered are the usual binaries and ternaries, such as PdAu, PdNi and PdPtBi. The authors describe a very interesting study of the kinetics of the electrode reaction but most importantly they present a discussion of what makes a catalyst selective towards complete oxidation and also to the inhibition of hydrogen oxidation. The use of Pt0.9Bi0.1/C is presented as the most selective catalyst that leads to the 8e-- pathway without signifi cant hydrogen evolution. Although this anode catalyst led to lower performance compared to Pt/C, in terms of current density, it is of interest for a DBFC because of increased fuel effi ciency, a prime parameter for the use of the fuel. It is important to highlight that a system with high cell effi ciency is more attractive for many practical applications than a system with low effi ciency and high current density. The authors have written a very interesting chapter and this reader gained useful knowledge about the technology. The Use of Enzymes Chapter 6, ‘Bioelectrocatalysis in Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells’, by Holly Reeve and Kylie Vincent (University of Oxford, UK), is dedicated to the use of enzymes for the oxidation of sugars such as fructose, lactose and glucose. The use of sugars for fuel cells is a very interesting area for research since it is based on the generation of electricity by the oxidation of natural products. Actually, the full oxidation of a primary alcohol to carbon dioxide is also possible when using a chain of enzymes via a sequence of chemical reactions. This is a key characteristic that differentiates enzymes from metal nanoparticles. For instance, there are very few metal catalysts capable of achieving the full oxidation of dilute ethanol to CO2 without the formation of incomplete products such as acetaldehyde and acetic acid (8). The authors give a fair and realistic view of the practical problems of enzymes as catalysts due to their relatively large size, which leads to low volumetric density and their limited stability when varying conditions such as pH, temperature, pressure and solvent type. The authors highlight that biofuel cells could have their main application as bioimplantable fuel cells for pacemakers and for the purifi cation of waste water. Although research in this area is in its infancy, the authors give an excellent overview of the use of biofuel cells and the reader with an interest in biocatalysis will fi nd this chapter extremely interesting. Problems in Alcohol Oxidation The book closes with Chapter 7, ‘Challenges and Perspectives of Nanocatalysts in Alcohol-Fuelled Direct Oxidation Fuel Cells’, by Eileen Hao Yu (Newcastle University, UK) et al. This chapter covers some of the main problems in alcohol oxidation focusing on the factors affecting activity and stability, including the need for more active catalysts capable of oxidising adsorbed CO. The authors report on the use of binary and ternary catalysts in alkaline and acid media, such as PtRu, PtSn and PtRuM (M = tungsten, molybdenum, nickel) and PtSnM (M = Ni or Ru), PtAu, PdNi and PdIrNi. The use of metal oxides such as cerium(IV) oxide, nickel(II) oxide, cobalt(II,III) oxide and manganese(II,III) oxide as promoters capable of introducing oxygenated species to remove adsorbed CO is also described. A brief mention of the benefi ts and disadvantages of the use of core–shell catalysts is presented with a special emphasis on PtAu core– shell catalysts. In terms of stability, some interesting approaches are mentioned such as the use of alternative carbon supports (graphene and N-doped carbon nanotubes) and supports such as titanium dioxide and tungsten carbide. The authors, however, do not mention the main problems of anode stability, such as base metal dissolution, membrane contamination and the impact on cathode performance or relate these issues to real fuel cell data. Conclusion The authors describe in a detailed manner the electrocatalytic oxidation of primary alcohols and other relevant fuels of interest for low power fuel cells in both acid and alkaline media. The reader gains a useful introduction to the catalysis involved in the oxidation of different fuels, such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, borohydride and sugars. While enzymes and gold catalysts have been introduced, platinum group metal catalysts, especially those based on Pt and Pd, are the state of the art for these technologies. The book only disappoints in some areas such as the lack of real fuel cell data and, for this reviewer’s taste, an overemphasis on alcohol oxidation in alkaline media. Overall, this book can be a good starting point for students and researchers with an interest in low power fuel cells. References 1 N. Cabello-Moreno, E. Crabb, J. Fisher, A. E. Russell and D. Thompsett, ECS Trans., 2008, 16, (2), 483 2 J. M. Fisher, N. Cabello-Moreno, E. Christian and D. Thompsett, Electrochem. Solid-State Lett., 2009, 12, (5), B77 3 J. Erlebacher, M. J. Aziz, A. Karma, N. Dimitrov and K. Sieradzki, Nature, 2001, 410, (6827), 450 4 R. C. Newman and K. Sieradzki, Science, 1994, 263, (5 154), 1708 5 R. Zeis, A. Mathur, G. Fritz, J. Lee and J. Erlebacher, J. Power Sources, 2007, 165, (1), 65 6 P. Mani, R. Srivastava and P. Strasser, J. Phys. Chem. C, 2008, 112, (7), 2770 7 L. Gan, M. Heggen, R. O’Malley, B. Theobald and P. Strasser, Nano Lett., 2013, 13, (3), 1131 8 A. Kowal, M. Li, M. Shao, K. Sasaki, M. B. Vukmirovic, J. Zhang, N. S. Marinkovic, P. Lui, A. I. Fre -- Alex Martinez Bonastre * Platinum Metals Rev., 2013, 57, (4), 297–301• *This is an important subject and the authors’ general description can easily be followed by students in chemistry or related subjects. Readers with some experience in the field will find the content extremely interesting. -- Alex Martinez Bonastre * Platinum Metals Rev., 2013, 57, (4), 297–301• *Table of ContentsIntroduction; Preparation of Nanocatalysts for DOFCs; Nanocatalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation Reaction; Nanocatalysts for Alcohol Oxidation Reaction (AOR); Nanocatalysts for Liquid Borohydride Oxidation; Nanocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR); Core-Shell Nanostructured Catalysts; Gold-Leaf Based Nanocatalysts; Bio-Electrocatalysts for DOFCs; Challenges and Perspectives of Nanocatalyst in DOFCs; Index
£146.29
Royal Society of Chemistry Biodiesel: Production and Properties
Book SynopsisWritten by an accomplished author this book discusses all major aspects on the production and properties of biodiesel, but the main focus is on the two very important properties of oxidative stability and low-temperature flow. Examples of key chapters include: biodiesel properties, fuel specifications, oxidative stability and low-temperature flow properties, engine efficiency and emissions using biodiesel, major sources for biodiesel production, the present state of the biodiesel industry. One additional feature of the book is that it contains a comprehensive section on biodiesel resources. In this section the reader will be directed to fifty Indian unknown plants, that contain more than 30% oil in their seed or fruit. The author discusses in significant detail the statistical relationship between fatty acid compositions and other biodiesel properties. To bring the book to a final conclusion the food versus fuel issue is discussed and possible solutions. The book will be essential reading for chemists, chemical engineers and agricultural scientists working in both industry and academia on the production of biofuels.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Vegetable oil as fuel: can it be used directly? Biodiesel properties; Biodiesel fuel specifications; Oxidation stability of biodiesel; Low-temperature flow properties of biodiesel; Dependance of other properties of biodiesel on fatty acid methyl ester composition; Diesel engine efficiency and emissions using biodiesel; Major sources for biodiesel production; Present state of biodiesel industry; Food versus fuel issue: possible solutions; Index.
£137.74
Royal Society of Chemistry Environmental Catalysis over Gold-Based Materials
Book SynopsisThis book presents the major developments in hydrogen-related catalytic and electrocatalytic reactions over gold-based materials over the last decade, including many of the advances made by academic and industrial researchers. Gold-based catalysts with potentially exciting new applications in hydrogen technology (e.g. purification of hydrogen, anode/cathode electrodes) are being investigated at a much higher rate than even before. A variety of techniques to synthesize, characterize and evaluate these materials is being employed. The book will be of interest to all those working in catalysis/green chemistry, in particular, to advanced level researchers in catalysis using gold-based materials. It is hoped that specialists in one reaction will read with interest the chapters on the neighbouring expertise. The book is also meant for PhD-students and advanced students interested in this area.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Water-Gas Shift activity of gold-based catalysts (comparative study); PROX activity/selectivity of gold catalysts (comparative study); Nature of the active sites and reaction mechanism]; Gold-based electrocatalytic materials (synthesis, physicochemical properties, applications); Effect of synthesis parameters on catalytic properties of gold-based materials; In-situ spectroscopic characterization of redox properties of gold catalysts; The role of gold nanoparticles size; The role of the oxidation state of gold.
£132.99
Royal Society of Chemistry Advanced Concepts in Photovoltaics
Book SynopsisPhotovoltaic systems enable the sun’s energy to be converted directly into electricity using semiconductor solar cells. The ultimate goal of photovoltaic research and development is to reduce the cost of solar power to reach or even become lower than the cost of electricity generated from fossil and nuclear fuels. The power conversion efficiency and the cost per unit area of the phototvoltaic system are critical factors that determine the cost of photovoltaic electricity. Until recently, the power conversion efficiency of single-junction photovoltaic cells has been limited to approximately 33% - the socalled Shockley-Queisser limit. This book presents the latest developments in photovoltaics which seek to either reach or surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit, and to lower the cell cost per unit area. Progress toward this ultimate goal is presented for the three generations of photovoltaic cells: the 1st generation based on crystalline silicon semiconductors; the 2nd generation based on thin film silicon, compound semiconductors, amorphous silicon, and various mesoscopic structures; and the 3rd generation based on the unique properties of nanoscale materials, new inorganic and organic photoconversion materials, highly efficient multi-junction cells with low cost solar concentration, and novel photovoltaic processes. The extent to which photovoltaic materials and processes can meet the expectations of efficient and cost effective solar energy conversion to electricity is discussed. Written by an international team of expert contributors, and with researchers in academia, national research laboratories, and industry in mind, this book is a comprehensive guide to recent progress in photovoltaics and essential for any library or laboratory in the field.Table of ContentsPreface; Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells with High Efficiency; Tandem And Multiple-Junction Devices Based On Thin-Film Silicon Technology; Thin-Film CdTe Photovoltaic Solar Cell Devices; III-V Tandem Solar Cells for Concentrating Photovoltaics; Thin film PV based on earth-abundant materials; Chemistry of Organic Dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells; Perovskite Solar Cells; All-Oxide Photovoltaics; Active layer limitations and non-geminate recombination in polymer/fullerene; bulkheterojunction solar cells; Singlet Fission for Photovoltaics; Quantum Dot Solar Cells and Multiple Exciton Generation; Hot Carrier Solar Cells; Intermediate Band Solar Cells; Up and Down Conversion for Thin Film Solar Cells and Luminescent Concentrators based on Rare Earth Chromophores; Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Upconversion for Photovoltaics; Quantum Rectennas for Photovoltaics; Real World Efficiency Limits beyond Shockley-Queisser; Grid parity and its implications for energy policy and regulation
£166.25
Royal Society of Chemistry Biomass for Sustainable Applications: Pollution
Book SynopsisSustainable sources of energy and a supply of good quality water are two major challenges facing modern societies across the globe. Biomass from cultivated plants may be used to generate energy, but at the cost of contaminated surface waters from pesticide and fertiliser use. This two-volume set examines the potential use of biomass as both a source of sustainable energy and a resource to tackle contaminated soils and wastewaters. Consideration is given to non-food crops, bacteria ,and fungi as sources of biomass and the book enables the reader to identify the best local bioresources according to the desired application. With contributions from across the globe, this is an essential guide to meeting the demand for energy and pollution remediation by exploiting local and renewable resources. The example scenarios given may inspire policy makers and local officers, while chemical engineers and environmental scientists in both academia and industry will benefit from the comprehensive review of current thinking and application.Table of ContentsPart A: Energetic Application; Bacteria for bioenergy: Microbial Fuel Cells; Bacteria for bioenergy: Biomethanisation; Plantae and marine biomass for biofuels; Plantae and marine biomass derived porous materials for electrochemical energy storage; Biomass-based renewable energy systems; Part B : Pollution Remediation; Plantae and marine biomass for water treatment; Plantae and marine biomass for soil treatment: Phytoremediation; Microorganisms for water treatment; Microorganisms for soil treatment; Biological waste gas treatment
£151.99
