Ultrathin metal oxide layers have emerged in recent years as a powerful approach for substantially enhancing the performance of photo, electro, or thermal catalytic systems for energy, in some cases even enabling the use of highly attractive materials previously found unsuitable. This development is due to the confluence of new synthetic preparation methods for ultrathin oxide layers and a more advanced understanding of interfacial phenomena on the nano and atomic scale. This book brings together the fundamentals and applications of ultrathin oxide layers while highlighting connections and future opportunities with the intent of accelerating the use of these materials and techniques for new and emerging applications of catalysis for energy. It comprehensively covers the state-of-the-art synthetic methods of ultrathin oxide layers, their structural and functional characterization, and the broad range of applications in the field of catalysis for energy. Edited by leaders in the field, and with contributions from global experts, this title will be of interest to graduate students and researchers across materials science and chemistry who are interested in ultrathin oxide layers and their applications in solar energy conversion, renewable energy, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and protective coatings.

Electrochromic devices have a number of important commercial applications, for instance in displays, as optical shutters, and as modulators for mirrors, windows, and sun-glasses. Electrochromism - Fundamentals and Applications is the first in-depth treatise on the topic. Written by leading scientists in the field, it is a state-of-the-art account of all aspects of electrochromism, presented at a level accessible to chemists, physicists, materials scientists and engineers. Both the physical and chemical background of electrochromic phenomena are described and a comprehensive survey of both organic and inorganic compounds and systems is given. Special emphasis is placed on providing detailed, hands-on information on applications and potential uses of electrochromic systems. This book is essential reading for scientists active in the field and for anyone wishing to enter the field. An extensive list of carefully chosen references rounds off this valuable reference source.

Nanotechnology is a "catch-all" description of activities at the level of atoms and molecules that have applications in the real world. A manometre is a billionth of a meter, about 1/80,000 of the diameter of a human hair, or 10 times the diameter of a hydrogen atom. Nanotechnology is now used in precision engineering, new materials development as well as in electronics; electromechanical systems as well as mainstream biomedical applications in areas such as gene therapy, drug delivery and novel drug discovery techniques. This book presents the latest research in this frontier field.