Photoelectrochemical processes due to the symbiosis of photochemical and electrochemical processes result in unique reaction pathways and products. This technique catalysed by nanomaterials is extensively used to harness sunlight for production of fuels and chemical feedstocks. This book explains the basic concepts of photoelectrochemistry as well as their application in the generation of solar fuels from water, CO2 and N2 as feedstocks. It also contains standard methodologies and benchmarks of fuel production including current state of the art in nanocatalysts as well as their mechanism of action. This book: Explores fundamentals and real-time applications of photoelectrochemistry in fuel generation Reviews basic theory and best-known catalysts and best conditions/processes for fuel generation in each of the chapters Covers standard methodologies, processes, and limitations for large-scale applications Focusses on sustainable production of fuels from renewable energy and resources This book aims at graduate students/researchers in chemical, energy and materials engineering.

This book describes the hydrogen fuel generation from water via photoelectrochemical process. It elaborates the theory and fundamental concepts of photoelectrochemistry to understand the photoelectrochemical process for water splitting to generate hydrogen fuel. The book further deliberates about the hydrogen as a futuristic chemical fuel to store solar energy in the form of chemical bonds and also as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. The book establishes the need for hydrogen fuel and discusses the standards and practices used for solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting. It also discusses the current and future status of the nanomaterials as efficient photoelectrodes for solar photoelectrochemical water splitting. The book will be of interest to the researchers, students, faculty, scientists, engineers, and technologists working in the domain of material science, energy harvesting, energy conversion, photo electrochemistry, nanomaterials for photo-electrochemical (PEC) cell, etc.

This book provides a broad overall view of the photoelectrochemical systems for solar hydrogen generation, and new and novel materials for photoelectrochemical solar cell applications. Hydrogen has a huge potential as a safe and efficient energy carrier, which can be used directly in fuel cells to obtain electricity, or it can be used in the chemical industry, fossil fuel processing or ammonia production. However, hydrogen is not freely available in nature and it needs to be produced. Photoelectrochemical solar cells produce hydrogen from water using sunlight and specialized semiconductors, which use solar energy to directly dissociate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Hence, these systems reduce fossil fuels dependency and curb carbon dioxide emissions. Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells compiles the objectives related to the new semiconductor materials and manufacturing techniques for solar hydrogen generation. The chapters are written by distinguished authors who have extensive experience in their fields. Multidisciplinary contributors from physics, chemical engineering, materials science, and electrical and electronic information engineering, provide an in-depth coverage of the topic. Readers and users have the opportunity to learn not only about the fundamentals but also the various aspects of the materials science and manufacturing technologies for photoelectrochemical solar cells and the hydrogen generation systems via photoelectrochemical conversion. This groundbreaking book features: Description of solar hydrogen generation via photoelectrochemical process Designs of photoelectrochemical systems Measurements and efficiency definition protocols for photoelectrochemical solar cells Metal oxides for solar water splitting Semiconductor photocatalysts Bismuth vanadate-based materials for solar water splitting Copper-based chalcopyrite and kesterite materials for solar water splitting Eutectic composites for solar water splitting Photocatalytic formation of composite electrodes

SOLAR FUELS In this book, you will have the opportunity to have comprehensive knowledge about the use of energy from the sun, which is our source of life, by converting it into different chemical fuels as well as catching up with the latest technology. The most important obstacle to solar meeting all our energy needs is that solar energy is not always accessible and, therefore, cannot be used when needed. Consequently, the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, which has become increasingly important in recent years, is a groundbreaking topic in the field of renewable energy. This type of chemical energy is called solar fuel. Hydrogen, methanol, methane, and carbon monoxide are among the solar fuels, which can be produced via solar-thermal, artificial photosynthesis, photocatalytic or photoelectrochemical routes. Solar Fuels compiles the objectives related to the new semiconductor materials and manufacturing techniques for solar fuel generation. Chapters are written by distinguished authors who have extensive experience in their fields. A multidisciplinary contributor profile, including chemical engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering provides a broader point of view and coverage of the topic. Therefore, readers absolutely will have a chance to learn about not only the fundamentals, but also the various aspects of materials science and manufacturing technologies for solar fuel production. Moreover, readers from diverse fields should take advantage of this book to comprehend the impacts of solar energy conversion in chemical form. Audience The book will be of interest to a multidisciplinary group of fields in industry and academia, including physics, chemistry, materials science, biochemical engineering, optoelectronic information, photovoltaic and renewable energy engineering, electrochemistry, electrical engineering, and mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production describes the principles and materials challenges for the conversion of sunlight into hydrogen through water splitting at a semiconducting electrode. Readers will find an analysis of the solid state properties and materials requirements for semiconducting photo-electrodes, a detailed description of the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, in addition to the photo-electrochemical (PEC) cell. Experimental techniques to investigate both materials and PEC device performance are outlined, followed by an overview of the current state-of-the-art in PEC materials and devices, and combinatorial approaches towards the development of new materials. Finally, the economic and business perspectives of PEC devices are discussed, and promising future directions indicated. Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production is a one-stop resource for scientists, students and R&D practitioners starting in this field, providing both the theoretical background as well as useful practical information on photoelectrochemical measurement techniques. Experts in the field benefit from the chapters on current state-of-the-art materials/devices and future directions.

As the search for renewable sources of energy grows more urgent, more and more attention is focusing on the blueprint offered by biological photosynthesis for translating the energy of our Sun into energy rich molecules like H2 and carbohydrates, commonly known as "solar fuels." These solar fuels have enormous potential to store high densities of energy in the form of chemical bonds as well as being transportable. This book offers a complete overview of the promising approaches to solar fuel generation, including the direct pathways of solar H2 generation and CO2 photocatalytic reduction. Solar Fuel Generation is an invaluable tool for graduate students and researchers (especially chemists, physicists, and material scientists) working in this field.

Solar photoelectrochemical generation of fuel is a promising energy technology yet the lack of an efficient, robust photoanode remains a primary materials challenge in the development and deployment of solar fuels generators. Metal oxides comprise the most promising class of photoanode materials, but no known material meets the demanding requirements of low band gap energy, photoelectrocatalysis of the oxygen evolution reaction, and stability under highly oxidizing conditions. Here, we report the identification of new photoelectroactive materials through a strategic combination of combinatorial materials synthesis, high-throughput photoelectrochemistry, optical spectroscopy, and detailed electronic structure calculations. We identify 4 photoelectrocatalyst phases - [alpha]-Cu2V2O7, [beta]-Cu2V2O7, [gamma]-Cu3V2O8, and Cu11V6O26 - with band gap energy at or below 2 eV. The photoelectrochemical properties and 30-minute stability of these copper vanadate phases are demonstrated in 3 different aqueous electrolytes (pH 7, pH 9, and pH 13), with select combinations of phase and electrolyte exhibiting unprecedented photoelectrocatalytic stability for metal oxides with sub-2 eV band gap. Through integration of experimental and theoretical techniques, we determine new structure-property relationships and establish CuO-V2O5 as the most prominent composition system for OER photoelectrocatalysts, providing crucial information for materials genomes initiatives and paving the way for continued development of solar fuels photoanodes.

This book explores the conversion for solar energy into renewable liquid fuels through electrochemical reactions. The first section of the book is devoted to the theoretical fundamentals of solar fuels production, focusing on the surface properties of semiconductor materials in contact with aqueous solutions and the reaction mechanisms. The second section describes a collection of current, relevant characterization techniques, which provide essential information of the band structure of the semiconductors and carrier dynamics at the interface semiconductor. The third, and last section comprises the most recent developments in materials and engineered structures to optimize the performance of solar-to-fuel conversion devices.

This book introduces the main aspects of modern applied electrochemistry. Starting with the basics of thermodynamic background, structure of interfaces and selected techniques used in analytical and material chemistry, the authors address the principles of electrochemistry in material science: corrosion, electrocatalysis, electrodeposition, energy storage and conversion. The application of nanostructured materials in these processes, as well as interfacing of electrochemistry with biology and medicine is discussed. The final part of the book is devoted to photoelectrochemistry and solar energy conversion in photoelectrochemical cells of various types. The goal of this book is to show that electrochemistry has many applications, not only for understanding of various phenomena in nowadays life but also in practical devices and can stimulate new science-enabled technologies, nourishing leaps from bench-top to large-scale industries, providing also means for protecting our environment. Creates a snapshot of the most important problems in applied electrochemistry and guides how to solve them. Gives an overview of the processes running during corrosion, electrodeposition and electrocatalysis. Focuses mainly on graduate students and those scientists who want to get a solid background knowledge of applied electrochemistry.

This comprehensive handbook covers all fundamentals of electrochemistry for contemporary applications. It provides a rich presentation of related topics of electrochemistry with a clear focus on energy technologies. It covers all aspects of electrochemistry starting with theoretical concepts and basic laws of thermodynamics, non-equilibrium thermodynamics and multiscale modeling. It further gathers the basic experimental methods such as potentiometry, reference electrodes, ion-sensitive electrodes, voltammetry and amperometry. The contents cover subjects related to mass transport, the electric double layer, ohmic losses and experimentation affecting electrochemical reactions. These aspects of electrochemistry are especially examined in view of specific energy technologies including batteries, polymer electrolyte and biological fuel cells, electrochemical capacitors, electrochemical hydrogen production and photoelectrochemistry. Organized in six parts, the overall complexity of electrochemistry is presented and makes this handbook an authoritative reference and definitive source for advanced students, professionals and scientists particularly interested in industrial and energy applications.