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

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.

The Power of Design offers an introduction and a practical guide to product innovation, integrating the key topics that are necessary for the design of sustainable and energy-efficient products using sustainable energy technologies. Product innovation in sustainable energy technologies is an interdisciplinary field. In response to its growing importance and the need for an integrated view on the development of solutions, this text addresses the functional principles of various energy technologies next to the latest design processes and innovation methods. From the perspective of product applications, the book provides clear explanations of technologies that are significant for product integration, such as batteries, photovoltaic solar energy, fuel cells, small wind turbines, human power, energy saving lighting, thermal energy technologies in buildings, and piezoelectric energy conversions. The design processes and innovation methods presented in this book include various approaches ranging from technical, societal and creative methods that can be applied in different stages of the design process. Other features include: a methodological approach, enabling readers to easily apply the theory to their research projects and to the actual design of sustainable products with energy technologies discussion on interaction design and smart grid interventions colour photographs that illustrate the final products numerous case studies of product development projects and concepts in practice, enabling readers to understand and design energy-efficient products in several different markets a companion website containing useful information about the cases and an additional design cases with sustainable energy technologies The Power of Design provides a comprehensive and visually-appealing opening into the subject for third and fourth year students, postgraduates, and professionals in the areas of energy, environment, product design and engineering

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.

This book presents novel findings concerning the systems, materials and processes used in solar energy conversion in communities. It begins with the core resource – solar radiation – and discusses the restrictions on the wide-scale implementation of conversion systems imposed by the built environment, as well as potential solutions. The book also describes efficient solar energy conversion in detail, focusing on heat and electricity production in communities and water reuse. Lastly, it analyzes the concept of sustainable communities, presenting examples from around the globe, along with novel approaches to improving their feasibility and affordability. Though chiefly intended for professionals working in the field of sustainability at the community level, the book will also be of interest to researchers, academics and doctoral students.

A first step in developing a clean and sustainable future is to think differently about everyday products, in particular how they influence energy use. Green Nanotechnology: Solutions for Sustainability and Energy in the Built Environment explores the science and technology of tiny structures that have a huge potential to improve quality of life wh

Carbonaceous Materials and Future Energy: Clean and Renewable Energy Sources provides a systematic analysis of the emerging renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuel and their impact on the current socio-economic premise, with carbonaceous chemistry at their base. The present-day fossil fuel–dependent energy scenario is obsolete, rapidly decaying with resource constraints and sparking climate change risks like global warming; therefore, a technological revolution is needed in terms of global energy sustainability. This book is a humble attempt to recognise various contemporary as well as transpiring alternative state-of-the-art energy technologies, and the immense potential carbon materials have in changing the future face of energy. Carbon is the most earth-abundant material with an awe-inspiring range of allotropes that render wonderful properties such as tunable morphology, electrical conductivity, impressive surface area, etc., when explored in the nanoscale. Therefore, carbon has the ability to replace expensive and corrosive metals as electrodes in various existing energy technologies, especially in storage, conversion and harvesting. Carbon-based composite materials offer extensive mechanical strength, although they are super lightweight and can be placed in portable devices, yet perform for longer times with the added benefit of recyclability. This book features discussions on the ecological impacts of the existing fossil fuel–based energy technologies along with various global energy prediction indicators that dictate the integrated risk, the multi-scale changes as well as the need for sustainable alternatives. It also highlights various state-of-the-art renewable energy techniques, including solar photovoltaics, wind, geothermal, and biowaste-based energy. Most importantly, recognition is given to hybrid energy storage and conversion systems as today’s most important and sustainable source of power based on carbonaceous materials, especially their abundance, tunability, and recyclability. The author then focuses on the integration of available experimental information with future prospects for delivering real-world solutions to existing energy scarcity and helping to unravel sustainable routes with improved energy laws and policies. Features Detailed discussion about the current worldwide energy crisis at the societal scale and the gradual growth of alternative sustainable energy options Elucidation of the role of carbon in revolutionising nanoscience and its bright prospects in developing the future energy scenario with its abundance, eco-friendly nature as well as recyclability Extensive discussion of various state-of-the-art energy systems including hybrid technologies and their stages of technological maturity, commercialisation, and future prospects. Presentation of information in an accessible way for a broad audience; especially students, researchers, and scientists, working in the vast field of energy, looking for concise information about current and future energy solutions and exploring them with carbonaceous chemistry ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This book gives an integrative overview about how the next-generation energy technology can be built upon the current and future prospects of carbonaceous chemistry. It includes extensive literature-survey analysis as well as detailed discussion of the commercialisation from the laboratory scale to realising the dream of decentralising grid-based electric supply with sustainable energy. Therefore, the book may serve as a prospective source for multi-disciplinary energy researchers searching for viable renewable energy solutions in terms of complex global sustainability, making it an essential guide and reference.

Clean Energy for Sustainable Development: Comparisons and Contrasts of New Approaches presents information on the fundamental challenge that the energy sector faces with regard to meeting the ever growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and cleaner energy. The book compares recent developments in the field of energy technology, clean and low emission energy, and energy efficiency and environmental sustainability for industry and academia. Rasul, Azad and Sharma, along with their team of expert contributors, provide high-end research findings on relevant industry themes, including clean and sustainable energy sources and technologies, renewable energy technologies and their applications, biomass and biofuels for sustainable environment, energy system and efficiency improvement, solar thermal applications, and the environmental impacts of sustainable energy systems. This book uses global institutes and case studies to explore and analyze technological advancements alongside practical applications. This approach helps readers to develop and affirm a better understanding of the relevant concepts and solutions necessary to achieve clean energy and sustainable development in both medium and large-scale industries. - Compares in-depth research on a wide range of clean technologies, from global institutes in Australia, Europe, and India - Evaluates the recent developments in clean technologies against the efficiency of tried and tested applications - Considers case studies on the advancements of sustainable energy into industry from around the world

Materials have the potential to be the centrepiece for the transition to viable renewable energy technologies if they realise a specific suite of properties and achieve a desired set of performance metrics. The envisioned transition involves the discovery of materials that enable generation, conversion, storage, transmission, and utilization of renewable energy. This book presents, through the eye of materials chemistry, an umbrella view of the myriad of classes of materials that make renewable energy technologies work. They are poised to facilitate the transition of non-renewable and unsustainable energy systems of the past into renewable and sustainable energy systems of the future. It is a story that often begins in chemistry laboratories with the discovery of new energy materials. Yet, to displace materials in existing energy technologies with new ones, depends not only on the ability to design and engineer a superior set of performance metrics for the material and the technology but also the requirement to meet a demanding collection of economic, regulatory, social, policy, environmental and sustainability criteria. Disruption in the traditional way of discovering materials is coming with the emergence of artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotic automation designed to accelerate the well-established discovery process, massive libraries of materials can be evaluated and the possibilities are endless. This book provides a perspective on the application of these new technologies to this field as well as an overview of energy materials discovery in the broader techno-economic and social context. Any budding researcher or more experienced materials scientist will find a guide to a fascinating story of discovery and emerge with a vision of what is next.

Eco-Materials and Green Energy for a Sustainable Future emphasizes the synergy between eco-materials and green energy solutions, highlighting their combined power to reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and create a more resilient and sustainable future. It provides a detailed discussion on cutting-edge green energy technologies and their potential to transform the energy landscape. Covering a range of applications and emerging technologies that are moving toward sustainable and green energy, this book includes topics on nano-batteries, nanoparticle treatments of toxic textile industry wastewater, and green building materials. It explores thin-film solar cells and luminescent materials in solar energy. This book considers green synthesis methods, such as plant extracts and microorganisms, with applications in regenerative medicine. This book will interest researchers and senior undergraduate and graduate students studying renewable energy sources, green materials engineering and chemistry, and sustainability.