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 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 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

Discover the latest research in photocatalysis combined with foundational topics in basic physical and chemical photocatalytic processes In Heterogeneous Photocatalysis: From Fundamentals to Applications in Energy Conversion and Depollution, distinguished researcher and editor Jennifer Strunk delivers a rigorous discussion of the two main topics in her field—energy conversion and depollution reactions. The book covers topics like water splitting, CO2 reduction, NOx abatement and harmful organics degradation. In addition to the latest research on these topics, the reference provides readers with fundamental information about elementary physical and chemical processes in photocatalysis that are extremely practical in this interdisciplinary field. It offers an excellent overview of modern heterogeneous photocatalysis and combines concepts from different viewpoints to allow researchers with backgrounds as varied as electrochemistry, material science, and semiconductor physics to begin developing solutions with photocatalysis. In addition to subjects like metal-free photocatalysts and photocarrier loss pathways in metal oxide absorber materials for photocatalysis explored with time-resolved spectroscopy, readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: Thorough introductions to kinetic and thermodynamic considerations for photocatalyst design and the logic, concepts, and methods of the design of reliable studies on photocatalysis Detailed explorations of in-situ spectroscopy for mechanistic studies in semiconductor photocatalysis and the principles and limitations of photoelectrochemical fuel generation Discussions of photocatalysis, including the heterogeneous catalysis perspective and insights into photocatalysis from computational chemistry Treatments of selected aspects of photoreactor engineering and defects in photocatalysis Perfect for photochemists, physical and catalytic chemists, electrochemists, and materials scientists, Heterogeneous Photocatalysis will also earn a place in the libraries of surface physicists and environmental chemists seeking up-to-date information about energy conversion and depollution reactions.

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.

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 comprehensive series of volumes on inorganic chemistry provides inorganic chemists with a forum for critical, authoritative evaluations of advances in every area of the discipline. Every volume reports recent progress with a significant, up-to-date selection of papers by internationally recognized researchers, complemented by detailed discussions and complete documentation. Each volume features a complete subject index and the series includes a cumulative index as well.

This book covers the field of solar production of hydrogen by water photo-splitting (photoelectrolysis) using semiconductor photoanodes. The emphasis of the discussion is on the use of nanotechnology in the field. The theories behind photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical processes responsible for hydrogen production are given in detail. This provides a state-of-the-art review of the semiconductor materials and methods used for improving the efficiency of the processes. The book also gives an account of the techniques used for making the nanostructures.

Conversion of Water and CO2 to Fuels usingSolar Energy Comprehensive Resource for Understanding the Emerging Solar Technologies for Hydrogen Generation via Water Splitting and Carbon-based Fuel Production via CO2 Recycling Fossil fuel burning is the primary source of carbon in the atmosphere. The realization that such burning can harm the life on our planet, has led to a surge in research activities that focus on the development of alternative strategies for energy conversion. Fuel generation using solar energy is one of the most promising approaches that has received widespread attention. The fuels produced using sunlight are commonly referred to as “solar fuels.” This book provides researchers interested in solar fuel generation a comprehensive understanding of the emerging solar technologies for hydrogen generation via water splitting and carbon-based fuel production via CO2 recycling. The book presents the fundamental science, technologies, techno-economic analysis, and most importantly, the materials that are being explored to establish artificial methods of fuel production using solar energy. For the rapid advancement of the field, it is necessary for researchers, particularly for those who are new to the field, to have clear knowledge of various materials studied so far and their performance. For this reason, almost half of the book is dedicated to the discussions on materials and properties. Key topics discussed in the book include: Photocatalytic/photoelectrochemical processes that use semiconductor photocatalysts, including both ceramic and non-ceramic materials Photovoltaic assisted electrochemical processes Solar thermochemical processes Molecular photosynthesis Researchers and professionals in the fields of energy and materials and closely related science and engineering disciplines could use this book to aquire clear insights on both mainstream solar fuel technologies and those in the developmental stages.

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production for Sustainable Energy A complete discussion of photocatalytic hydrogen production, including water splitting, biomass or waste valorization, solar reactors, photoelectrochemical technologies, and more In Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production for Sustainable Energy, distinguished researcher Dr. Alberto Puga delivers a comprehensive exploration of photocatalytic hydrogen production. In the book, readers will find explanations of why and how this technology is called to have a significant impact on cleaner and sustainable production of fuels and find a valuable source of information on the mechanisms of light harvesting and the chemical transformations occurring in these processes. The book explains the technical and engineering approaches currently being used in photocatalytic hydrogen production, as well as approaches that may be used in the future for both commercial and research purposes. A fulsome approach to the subject, covering everything from fundamental aspects of photocatalytic water splitting to waste valorization and solar plant operations, the book also includes: A thorough introduction to sustainability and photocatalytic hydrogen production in the context of renewable energy Comprehensive explorations of water splitting under visible light and ultraviolet irradiation Practical discussions of photoreforming and photocatalytic organic synthesis with convenient hydrogen release Fulsome treatments of photoelectrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production Perfect for photochemists and catalytic chemists, Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production for Sustainable Energy will also benefit other chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, energy engineers and physicists seeking a one-stop resource on the subject.