The impending energy crisis brought on by the running out of finite and non-homogenously distributed fossil fuel reserves and the worldwide increase in energy demand has prompted vast research in the development of sustainable energy technologies in the last few decades. However, the efficiency of most of these new technologies is relatively small and therefore it needs to be increased to eventually replace conventional technologies based on fossil fuels. The required efficiency increase primarily relies on the ability to improve the performance of the functional materials which are at the heart of these technologies. The purpose of this book is to give a unified and comprehensive presentation of the fundamentals and the use and design of novel materials for efficient sustainable energy applications, such as conversion, storage, transmission, and consumption. The book presents general coverage of the use and design of advanced materials for sustainable energy applications. Thus, the book addresses all the relevant aspects, such as materials for energy conversion, storage, transmission, and consumption.

The search for cleaner, cheaper, smaller and more efficient energy technologies has to a large extent been motivated by the development of new materials. The aim of this collection of articles is therefore to focus on what materials-based solutions can offer and show how the rationale design and improvement of their physical and chemical properties can lead to energy-production alternatives that have the potential to compete with existing technologies. In terms of alternative means to generate electricity that utilize renewable energy sources, the most dramatic breakthroughs for both mobile (i.e., transportation) and stationary applications are taking place in the fields of solar and fuel cells. And from an energy-storage perspective, exciting developments can be seen emerging from the fields of rechargeable batteries and hydrogen storage.

Materials for Sustainable Energy, Volume 72, the latest release in the Advances in Inorganic Chemistry series presents timely and informative summaries on the current progress in a variety of subject areas. In this volume, concise, authoritative reviews provide updates on the photocatalytic generation of solar fuels (heterogeneous systems), Photocatalytic materials for energy and environment, The photoelectrocatalytic production of solar fuels, Artificial photosynthesis (homogeneous catalysis), The photocatalytic synthesis of chemicals, Dye sensitized solar cells, Supercapacitors, Lithium ion cells, Catalytic air purification (VOCs, soot), Catalytic air purification (NOx), and more. - Features comprehensive reviews on the latest developments in inorganic reaction mechanisms, a subfield of inorganic chemistry - Includes contributions from leading experts in the field of inorganic reaction mechanisms - Serves as an indispensable reference to advanced researchers in inorganic reaction mechanisms

Global demand for low cost, efficient and sustainable energy production is ever increasing. Driven by recent discoveries and innovation in the science and technology of materials, applications based on functional materials are becoming increasingly important. Functional materials for sustainable energy applications provides an essential guide to the development and application of these materials in sustainable energy production.Part one reviews functional materials for solar power, including silicon-based, thin-film, and dye sensitized photovoltaic solar cells, thermophotovoltaic device modelling and photoelectrochemical cells. Part two focuses on functional materials for hydrogen production and storage. Functional materials for fuel cells are then explored in part three where developments in membranes, catalysts and membrane electrode assemblies for polymer electrolyte and direct methanol fuel cells are discussed, alongside electrolytes and ion conductors, novel cathodes, anodes, thin films and proton conductors for solid oxide fuel cells. Part four considers functional materials for demand reduction and energy storage, before the book concludes in part five with an investigation into computer simulation studies of functional materials.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Functional materials for sustainable energy applications is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the research, development, manufacture and application of materials for sustainable energy production, including materials engineers, scientists and academics in the rapidly developing, interdisciplinary field of sustainable energy. - An essential guide to the development and application of functional materials in sustainable energy production - Reviews functional materials for solar power - Focuses on functional materials for hydrogen production and storage, fuel cells, demand reduction and energy storage

Sustainable Material Solutions for Solar Energy Technologies: Processing Techniques and Applications provides an overview of challenges that must be addressed to efficiently utilize solar energy. The book explores novel materials and device architectures that have been developed to optimize energy conversion efficiencies and minimize environmental impacts. Advances in technologies for harnessing solar energy are extensively discussed, with topics including materials processing, device fabrication, sustainability of materials and manufacturing, and current state-of-the-art. Leading international experts discuss the applications, challenges, and future prospects of research in this increasingly vital field, providing a valuable resource for students and researchers working in this field. - Explores the fundamentals of sustainable materials for solar energy applications, with in-depth discussions of the most promising material solutions for solar energy technologies: photocatalysis, photovoltaic, hydrogen production, harvesting and storage - Discusses the environmental challenges to be overcome and importance of efficient materials utilization for clean energy - Looks at design materials processing and optimization of device fabrication via metrics such as power-to-weight ratio, effectiveness at EOL compared to BOL, and life-cycle analysis

How will we meet rising energy demands? What are our options? Are there viable long-term solutions for the future? Learn the fundamental physical, chemical and materials science at the heart of renewable/non-renewable energy sources, future transportation systems, energy efficiency and energy storage. Whether you are a student taking an energy course or a newcomer to the field, this textbook will help you understand critical relationships between the environment, energy and sustainability. Leading experts provide comprehensive coverage of each topic, bringing together diverse subject matter by integrating theory with engaging insights. Each chapter includes helpful features to aid understanding, including a historical overview to provide context, suggested further reading and questions for discussion. Every subject is beautifully illustrated and brought to life with full color images and color-coded sections for easy browsing, making this a complete educational package. Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability will enable today's scientists and educate future generations.

Materials have the potential to be the centrepiece for the transition to viable renewable energy technologies and this book provides a perspective on the application of new technologies to this field as well as the broader techno-economic and social context.

Sustainable Energy Storage in the Scope of Circular Economy Comprehensive resource reviewing recent developments in the design and application of energy storage devices Sustainable Energy Storage in the Scope of Circular Economy reviews the recent developments in energy storage devices based on sustainable materials within the framework of the circular economy, addressing the sustainable design and application of energy storage devices with consideration of the key advantages and remaining challenges in this rapidly evolving research field. Topics covered include: Sustainable materials for batteries and fuel cell devices Multifunctional sustainable materials for energy storage Energy storage devices in the scope of the Internet of Things Sustainable energy storage devices and device design for sensors and actuators Waste prevention for energy storage devices based on second life and recycling procedures With detailed information on today’s most effective energy storage devices, Sustainable Energy Storage in the Scope of Circular Economy is a key resource for academic researchers, industrial scientists and engineers, and students in related programs of study who wish to understand the state of the art in this field.

This book provides a detailed overview of different devices and nanomaterials for energy storage applications. The application of each nanomaterial is discussed for fuel cells, metal–air batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, regenerative fuel cells, hydrogen energy, batteries, and redox flow batteries to understand the reaction process and material performance improvement for energy storage devices. In addition, major challenges, case studies, historical, and future perspective are summarized. Features: Summarizes state-of-the-art nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion applications Comprehensive coverage of a wide range of nanomaterials, including synthesis and characterization Details different energy storage devices, construction, working principles, and major challenges Covers specific reactions, nanomaterials, and nanocomposites via audio–video slides/short films Includes case studies pertaining to development of energy storage devices and major challenges This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in chemical engineering, chemical sciences, nanomaterials, and energy engineering/conversion.