A guide to one of the most important aspects for affordable and highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells Dye-sensitized solar cells have the potential to be one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for production of renewable and clean energy. Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells offers an introduction to the various types of counter electrode catalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite solar cells, including metal and metal compounds, carbon materials, polymers, and composites. With contributions from an international panel of experts, the book contains a discussion of the design and synthesis of the catalysts, characterization and stability of the devices, as well as calculations on properties. The contributors cover a wide range of topics including information on: carbon nanotubes electrocatalysts for I-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells; Pt-loaded composite electrocatalysts for I-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells; metal contact electrodes for perovskite solar cells; and much more. The book also includes insight into the future developments in the field. This important resource Covers the various types of counter electrode catalysts and presents design strategies, synthesis methods, theoretical calculation and stability evaluation Includes information on low-cost counter electrode catalysts and commercial applications of dye-sensitized sensitized solar cells Disscuses how electrode catalysts can be applied in a range of fields, such as solar cells, fuel cells, hydrogen production, and photocatalysis Offers contributions from leading experts in the field including Anders Hagfeldt, one of the world's leading researchers in this field Written for materials scientists, solid state chemists, electrochemists, catalytic chemists, solid state physicists, and chemical industry professionals, Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to dye-sensitized solar cells.

SMART MATERIALS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Smart materials, also known as advanced or creative materials, are described as advanced materials that react intuitively to environmental changes or as materials that can return to their original shape in response to certain stimuli. Smart materials are classified as either active or passive based on their characteristics. There are two types of active materials. The first kind cannot change its characteristics when subjected to outside stimuli, for example photochromatic spectacles that only alter their color when exposed to sunlight. The other, which includes piezoelectric materials, can change one sort of energy (thermal, electrical, chemical, mechanical, or optical) into another. When subjected to external pressure, it can generate an electric charge. As an example, optical fibers can transmit electromagnetic waves. In contrast, passive smart materials can transmit a specific sort of energy. They have some amazing qualities that set them apart from other materials, such as transiency, meaning they can react to different kinds of external stimuli immediately, self-actuation or the capacity to change their appearance and shape, selectivity where the response is divided and expected, directness when the response is limited to the activating event, shape-changing where the material can change its shape to external stimuli, their ability to determine their own health, also known as self-diagnosis, and their ability to self-heal. The ability to synthesize novel materials has substantially progressed thanks to science and technology over the past 20 years. They fall mostly into the following four categories: polymers, ceramics, metals, and smart materials. Among these, smart materials are gaining popularity since they have more uses than conventional materials. Smart materials are unusual substances that have the ability to alter their properties, such as those that can immediately change their phase when placed near a magnet or their shape simply by applying heat. Humanity will be significantly impacted by this new era of smart materials. For instance, some of them can adapt their properties to the environment, some have sensory capabilities, some can repair themselves automatically, and some can degrade themselves. These extraordinary properties of smart materials will have an effect on all facets of civilization. There are many different types of intelligent materials, including magnetorheological materials, electro-rheostat materials, shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, and more. This book describes many forms of smart materials and their possible uses in various fields. A literature survey discusses the different types of smart materials, such as based ceramics, polymers, and organic compounds and their needs, advantages, disadvantages, and applications will be comprehensively discussed. A discussion of well-established smart materials including piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, shape memory alloy, electro-rheological fluid, and magnetorheological fluid materials will be discussed with their present prospects.

Atomic and Nano Scale Materials for Advanced Energy Conversion Discover the latest advancements in energy conversion technologies used to develop modern sustainable energy techniques In Atomic and Nano Scale Materials for Advanced Energy Conversion, expert interdisciplinary researcher Dr. Zongyou Yin delivers a comprehensive overview of nano-to-atomic scale materials science, the development of advanced electrochemical, photochemical, photoelectrochemical, and photovoltaic energy conversion strategies, and the applications for sustainable water splitting and other technologies. The book offers readers cutting-edge information of two-dimensional nano, mixed-dimensional nano, nano rare earth, clusters, and single atoms. It constructively evaluates emerging nano-to-atomic scale energy conversion technologies for academic research and development (R&D) researchers and industrial technique consultants and engineers. The author sets out a systematic analysis of recent energy-conversion science, covering topics like adaptable manufacturing of Van der Waals heterojunctions, mixed-dimensional junctions, tandem structures, and superlattices. He also discusses function-oriented engineering in polymorphic phases, photon absorption, excitons-charges conversion, non-noble plasmonics, and solid-liquid-gas interactions. Readers will also benefit from: A thorough introduction to emerging nanomaterials for energy conversion, including electrochemical, photochemical, photoelectrochemical, and photovoltaic energy conversion An exploration of clusters for energy conversion, including electrochemical, photochemical, and photoelectrochemical clusters Practical discussions of single atoms for energy conversion in electrochemical, photochemical, and photoelectrochemical energy conversion technologies A thorough analysis of future perspectives and directions in advanced energy conversion technology Perfect for materials scientists, photochemists, electrochemists, and inorganic chemists, Atomic and Nano Scale Materials for Advanced Energy Conversion is also a must-read resource for catalytic chemists interested in the intersection of advanced chemistry and physics in energy conversion technologies.

This book is a review of photonic materials and their applications. It presents 14 chapters, that give a snapshot of the field including basic sciences (photonics, plasmonics, advanced optics, nanophotonics) and applications (renewable energy, fiber-optics, lasers and smart materials). The book starts with a summary of recent developments in photonic crystal (PC) applications. This introduction is followed by chapters that present design concepts and investigations of PC devices such as: - All-optical XOR gates using 2D photonic crystals - One-dimensional PCs containing germanium (Ge). - Graphene surface plasmonics - Nanophotonics and fiber-optic lasers - Chalcogenides - Bragg Fibers and more The broad range of topics make this an informative source on current and exciting photonics research, and the variety of photonic materials. It serves as a reference for graduate scholars (in physics and materials science) and allied researchers who have a keen interest in photonics.

Optical and Molecular Physics: Theoretical Principles and Experimental Methods addresses many important applications and advances in the field. This book is divided into 5 sections: Plasmonics and carbon dots physics with applications Optical films, fibers, and materials Optical properties of advanced materials Molecular physics and diffusion Macromolecular physics Weaving together science and engineering, this new volume addresses important applications and advances in optical and molecular physics. It covers plasmonics and carbon dots physics with applications; optical films, fibers, and materials; optical properties of advanced materials; molecular physics and diffusion; and macromolecular physics. This book looks at optical materials in the development of composite materials for the functionalization of glass, ceramic, and polymeric substrates to interact with electromagnetic radiation and presents state-of-the-art research in preparation methods, optical characterization, and usage of optical materials and devices in various photonic fields. The authors discuss devices and technologies used by the electronics, magnetics, and photonics industries and offer perspectives on the manufacturing technologies used in device fabrication.

This book covers the latest research on applications of nanomaterials in the field of energy systems and devices. It provides an overview of the state-of-art research in this rapidly developing field. It discusses the design and fabrication of nanostructured materials and their energy applications. Various topics covered include nanomaterials for perovskite solar cells, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanocomposites based supercapacitors, battery materials and technologies, major challenges toward development of efficient thermoelectric materials for energy efficient devices, extraction and experimentation of biodiesel produced from leachate oils of landfills coupled with nano-additives aluminium oxide and copper oxide on diesel engine and many more. It has contributions from world-renowned specialists in the fields of nanomaterials and energy devices. The book will be useful for students, researchers and professionals working in the area of nanomaterials and energy systems & devices.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Handbook, Second Edition, is a one-stop reference on current electronic waste legislation initiatives, their impact, and the latest technological considerations for reducing electronic waste (e-waste) and increasing the efficiency of materials recovery. It also provides a wide-range of global and corporate examples and perspectives on the challenges that face specific regions and companies, along with the solutions they are implementing in managing e-waste, offering further insights on how discarded products can be treated. Sections introduce the reader to legislation and initiatives to manage WEEE and discuss technologies for the refurbishment, treatment and recycling of waste electronics. Further sections focus on electronic products that present particular challenges for recyclers, explore sustainable design of electronics and supply chains, discuss national and regional WEEE management schemes, and more. - Addresses the latest challenges and opportunities for electronic waste (e-waste) management, including e-waste collection models, circular economy implications, rare earth metal recovery, and much more - Draws lessons for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) policy and practice from around the world - Discusses legislation and initiatives to manage WEEE, including global e-waste initiatives, EU legislation relating to electronic waste, and eco-efficiency evaluation of WEEE take-back systems

TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications is the first book to provide an overview of this rapidly growing field. Vertically oriented, highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays are unique and easily fabricated materials with an architecture that demonstrates remarkable charge transfer as well as photocatalytic properties. This volume includes an introduction to TiO2 nanotube arrays, as well as a description of the material properties and distillation of the current research. Applications considered include gas sensing, heterojunction solar cells, water photoelectrolysis, photocatalytic CO2 reduction, as well as several biomedical applications. Written by leading researchers in the field, TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications is a valuable reference for chemists, materials scientists and engineers involved with renewable energy sources, biomedical engineering, and catalysis, to cite but a few examples.

First Published in 2012. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Perovskite Photovoltaics: Basic to Advanced Concepts and Implementation examines the emergence of perovskite photovoltaics, associated challenges and opportunities, and how to achieve broader development. Consolidating developments in perovskite photovoltaics, including recent progress solar cells, this text also highlights advances and the research necessary for sustaining energy. Addressing different photovoltaics fields with tailored content for what makes perovskite solar cells suitable, and including commercialization examples of large-scale perovskite solar technology. The book also contains a detailed analysis of the implementation and economic viability of perovskite solar cells, highlighting what photovoltaic devices need to be generated by low cost, non-toxic, earth abundant materials using environmentally scalable processes. This book is a valuable resource engineers, scientists and researchers, and all those who wish to broaden their knowledge on flexible perovskite solar cells. - Includes contributions by leading solar cell academics, industrialists, researchers and institutions across the globe - Addresses different photovoltaics fields with tailored content for what makes perovskite solar cells different - Provides commercialization examples of large-scale perovskite solar technology, giving users detailed analysis on the implementation, technical challenges and economic viability of perovskite solar cells