A Detailed, Up-to-Date Treatment of Key Developments in PEMFC MaterialsThe potential to revolutionize the way we power our worldBecause of its lower temperature and special polymer electrolyte membrane, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is well-suited for transportation, portable, and micro fuel cell applications. But the performance o

The First Book Centered on Materials Issues of SOFCsAlthough the high operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) creates opportunities for using a variety of fuels, including low-grade hydrogen and those derived from biomass, it also produces difficulties in materials performance and often leads to materials degradation during operatio

From the Introduction:Nanotechnology and its underpinning sciences are progressing with unprecedented rapidity. With technical advances in a variety of nanoscale fabrication and manipulation technologies, the whole topical area is maturing into a vibrant field that is generating new scientific research and a burgeoning range of commercial applications, with an annual market already at the trillion dollar threshold. The means of fabricating and controlling matter on the nan...

One of the first comprehensive books to focus on the role of polymers in the burgeoning energy materials marketPolymers are increasingly finding applications in the areas of energy storage and conversion. A number of recent advances in the control of the polymer molecular structure which allows the polymer properties to be more finely tuned have led to these advances and new applications. Polymers for Energy Storage and Conversion assimilates these advance...

This book focuses on the exciting topic of nanoscience with liquid crystals: from self-organized nanostructures to applications. The elegant self-organized liquid crystalline nanostructures, the synergetic characteristics of liquid crystals and nanoparticles, liquid crystalline nanomaterials, synthesis of nanomaterials using liquid crystals as templates, nanoconfinement and nanoparticles of liquid crystals are covered and discussed, and the prospect of fabricating functional materials is h...

An essential resource for scientists designing new energy materials for the vast landscape of solar energy conversion as well as materials processing and characterizationBased on the new and fundamental research on novel energy materials with tailor-made photonic properties, the role of materials engineering has been to provide much needed support in the development of photovoltaic devices. Advanced Energy Materials offers a unique, state-of-the-art look a...

Advanced Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Renewable Energy presents timely topics related to nanomaterials' feasible synthesis and characterization, and their application in the energy fields. In addition, the book provides insights and scientific discoveries in toxicity study, with information that is easily understood by a wide audience. Advanced energy materials are important in designing materials that have greater physical, electronic, and optical properties. This book emphasiz...

Focusing on the cutting-edge technologies available in the field of photovoltaics, Solar Cell Nanotechnology explores the latest research and development activities related to organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials being used in solar cell manufacturing. Several chapters are dedicated to explaining the fundamentals of photovoltaics and nanomaterials utilized in the manufacturing of solar cells. Other essential subjects, such as microcontact printing, plasmonic light trapping, ou...

Authored by leading experts from around the world, the three-volume Handbook of Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings gives scientific researchers and product engineers a resource as dynamic and flexible as the field itself. The first two volumes cover the latest research and application of the mechanical and functional properties of thin films an

The chemistry, physics, and applications of liquid crystals beyond LCDsLiquid Crystals (LCs) combine order and mobility on a molecular and supramolecular level. But while these remarkable states of matter are most commonly associated with visual display technologies, they have important applications for a variety of other fields as well. Liquid Crystals Beyond Displays: Chemistry, Physics, and Applications considers these, bringing together cuttin...

This comprehensive text provides a basic introduction to the optical properties of polymers, as well as a systematic overview of the latest developments in their nano engineering applications—including L-GRIN lenses, 3D holographic displays, optical gene detection, and more. Covering an increasingly important class of materials relevant not only in academic research but also in industry, this book emphasizes the importance of nano engineering in improving the fundamental optical properties...

Ceramic nanocomposites have been found to have improved hardness, strength, toughness and creep resistance compared to conventional ceramic matrix composites. Ceramic nanocomposites reviews the structure and properties of these nanocomposites as well as manufacturing and applications.Part one looks at the properties of different ceramic nanocomposites, including thermal shock resistance, flame retardancy, magnetic and optical properties as well as failure mechanisms. Part two deals with th...