This work presents fundamental and other relevant properties of nanostructured materials that can be the basis of improved performance in a wide range of alternative energy devices. The book explores the intersection of two major research fields, nanostructured materials and alternative energy devices. There is integrated coverage from batteries and fuel cells to hydrogen generation and storage. The book contains chapters by world leaders in inorganic electrochemical materials. The materia...

Since the size, shape, and microstructure of nanocrystalline materials strongly impact physical and chemical properties, the development of new synthetic routes to nanocrystals with controlled composition and morphology is a key objective of the nanomaterials community. This objective is dependent on control of the nucleation and growth mechanisms that occur during the synthetic process, which in turn requires a fundamental understanding of both classical nucleation and growth and non-clas...

Low dimensional systems have revolutionized the science and technology in several areas. However, their understanding is still a great challenge for the scientific community. Solar energy conversion devices based on nanostructured materials have shown exceptional gains in efficiency and stability. In this context, nanostructures allow an improvement of surface properties, transport and charge transfer, as well as direct application as sensors and storage devices and energy conversion. This...

This book examines the characteristics of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells with a focus on deriving realistic finite element models. The book also explains in detail how to set up measuring systems, data analysis, and PEM Fuel Cells’ static and dynamic characteristics. Covered in detail are design and operation principles such as polarization phenomenon, thermodynamic analysis, and overall voltage; failure modes and mechanisms such as permanent faults, membrane degradation, and wa...

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science.The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger sc...

While books on semiconductor TiO2 photocatalysis are legion, nanostructured controlled photocatalysts are attractive beyond standard semiconductors, and this book is devoted to the many novel uses of advanced TiO2 and MOF-based photocatalysts. Details on synthesis, characterization, and reaction applications of nanostructured photocatalysts are summarized. Other new materials discussed in this book are Bi- W- oxides, metal complexes, and unique porous materials. This book contains methods ...

This book analyzes the thermal characteristics of power electronic devices (PEDs) with a focus on those used in wind and solar energy systems. The authors focus on the devices used in such applications, for example boost converters and inverters under different operating conditions. The book explains in detail finite element modeling techniques, setting up measuring systems, data analysis, and PEDs’ lifetime calculations. It is appropriate reading for graduate students and researchers who ...

The book explains the principles and fundamentals of photocatalysis and highlights the current developments and future potential of the green-chemistry-oriented applications of various inorganic, organic, and hybrid photocatalysts. The book consists of eleven chapters, including the principles and fundamentals of heterogeneous photocatalysis; the mechanisms and dynamics of surface photocatalysis; research on TiO2-based composites with unique nanostructures; the latest developments and adva...

This book focuses on the use of bio-inspired and biomimetic methods for the fabrication and activation of nanomaterials. This includes studies concerning the binding of the biomolecules to the surface of inorganic structures, structure/function relationships of the final materials and extensive discussions on the final applications of such biomimetic materials in unique applications including energy harvesting/storage, biomedical diagnostics and materials assembly.

This thesis focuses on the controlled synthesis of Pt–Ni bimetallic nanoparticles and the study of their catalytic properties. It discusses in detail the nucleation mechanism and the growth process of bimetallic systems, which is vital for a deeper understanding of the design of bimetallic catalysts. The author presents four pioneering studies: (1) syntheses of water-soluble octahedral, truncated octahedral, and cubic Pt–Ni nanocrystals and the study of their structure-activity relationshi...

This book offers an essential compendium on the analysis and design of synchronous motors for variable-speed applications. Focusing on synchronous reluctance and ferrite permanent-magnet (PM) synchronous reluctance machines, it provides a broad perspective on three-phase machines for variable speed applications, a field currently dominated by asynchronous machines and rare-earth PM synchronous machines. It also describes synchronous reluctance machines and PM machines without rare-earth ma...