Rectenna Solar Cells discusses antenna-coupled diode solar cells, an emerging technology that has the potential to provide ultra-high efficiency, low-cost solar energy conversion. This book will provide an overview of solar rectennas, and provide thorough descriptions of the two main components: the diode, and the optical antenna. The editors discuss the science, design, modeling, and manufacturing of the antennas coupled with the diodes. The book will provide concepts to understanding the challenges, fabrication technologies, and materials required to develop rectenna structures. Written by experts in their specialized fields.

Nanoscale Applications for Information and Energy Systems presents nanotechnology fundamentals and applications in the key research areas of information technology (electronics and photonics) and alternative (solar) energy: plasmonics, photovoltaics, transparent conducting electrodes, silicon electroplating, and resistive switching. The three major technology areas – electronics, photonics, and solar energy – are linked on the basis of similar applications of nanostructured materials in research and development. By bridging the materials physics and chemistry at the atomic scale with device and system design, integration, and performance requirements, tutorial chapters from worldwide leaders in the field provide a coherent picture of theoretical and experimental research efforts and technology development in these highly interdisciplinary areas.

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.

Photovoltaic 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 so-called 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.

As the human population expands and natural resources become depleted, it becomes necessary to explore other sources for energy consumption and usage. Renewable and Alternative Energy: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of emerging perspectives and innovations for alternative energy sources. Highlighting relevant concepts on energy efficiency, current technologies, and ongoing industry trends, this is an ideal reference source for academics, practitioners, professionals, and upper-level students interested in the latest research on renewable energy.

This book focuses on elementary concepts of both radio frequency energy harvesting (RFEH) and wireless power transfer (WPT), and highlights their fundamental requirements followed by recent advancements. It provides a systematic overview of the key components required for RFEH and WPT applications and also comprehensively introduces the pioneering research advancements achieved to date. The state-of-the-art circuit design topologies for the two different applications are presented mainly in terms of antenna operating frequencies, polarization characteristics, efficient matching network circuits, rectifier topologies, and overall rectenna systems. The book serves as a single point of reference for practicing engineers and researchers searching for potential sources and elements involved in the RFEH system as well as in the WPT system, and need rapid training and design guidelines in the following areas: • Different sensing elements used in RFEH and WPT • Inclusions of mathematical expressions and design problems • Illustration of some design examples and performance enhancement techniques