This book demonstrates that solar energy, the most abundant and clean renewable energy, can be utilized to drive methane activation and conversion under mild conditions. The book reports that coupling solar energy and thermal energy can significantly enhance methane conversion at mild temperatures using plasmonic nanometal-based catalysts, with a substantial decrease in apparent activation energy of methane conversion. Furthermore, this book, for the first time, reports the direct photocatalytic methane oxidation into liquid oxygenates (methanol and formaldehyde) with only molecular oxygen in pure water at room temperature with high yield and selectivity over nanometals and semiconductors (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). These findings are a big stride toward methane conversion and inspire researchers to develop strategies for efficient and selective conversion of methane to high-value-added chemicals under mild conditions.

Providing critical analysis of emerging and well-established topics, this book is essential reading for anyone wanting to keep up to date with the literature on photochemistry and its applications. Volume 49 combines reviews on the latest advances in photochemical research with specific highlights in the field. The first section includes periodical reports of the recent literature on physical and inorganic aspects, including reviews of the molecules employed as dyes in art, light induced reactions in cryogenic matrices, photobiological systems studied by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy and photophysics, and photochemistry of transition metal complexes. This selection is completed by reviews of the literature on solar photocatalysis for water decontamination and disinfection and for water splitting/hydrogen production. Coverage continues in the second part with highlighted topics, from the use of aromatic carbonyls as photocatalysts and photoinitiators in synthesis, photoinduced and photocatalysed decarboxylation reactions, development of dye-sensitized solar cells, design of luminescent water-soluble systems, and applications of plasmonic nanoparticles. This volume also includes a third section entitled ‘SPR Lectures on Photochemistry’, where leading scientists in photochemistry provide examples to introduce a photochemical topic to academic readers, offering precious assistance to students in this field.

Photoelectrocatalysis: Fundamentals and Applications presents an in-depth review of the topic for students and researchersworking on photoelectrocatalysis-related subjects from pure chemistry to materials and environmental chemistry inorder to propose applications and new perspectives. The main advantage of a photoelectrocatalytic process is the mildexperimental conditions under which the reactions are carried out, which are often possible at atmospheric pressure androom temperature using cheap and nontoxic solvents (e.g., water), oxidants (e.g., O2 from the air), catalytic materials (e.g.,TiO2 on Ti layer), and the potential exploitation of solar light. This book presents the fundamentals and the applications of photoelectrocatalysis, such as hydrogen production fromwater splitting, the remediation of harmful compounds, and CO2 reduction. Photoelectrocatalytic reactors and lightsources, in addition to kinetic aspects, are presented along with an exploration of the relationship between photocatalysisand electrocatalysis. In addition, photocorrosion issues and the application of selective photoelectrocatalytic organictransformations, which is now a growing field of research, are also reported. Finally, the advantages/disadvantages andfuture perspectives of photoelectrocatalysis are highlighted through the possibility of working at a pilot/industrial scale inenvironmentally friendly conditions. Presents the fundamentals of photoelectrocatalysis Outlines photoelectrocatalytic green chemistry Reviews photoelectrocatalytic remediation of harmful compounds, hydrogen production, and CO2 reduction Includes photocorrosion, photoelectrocatalytic reactors, and modeling along with kinetic aspects

From environmental remediation to alternative fuels, this book explores the numerous important applications of photocatalysis. The book covers topics such as the photocatalytic processes in the treatment of water and air; the fundamentals of solar photocatalysis; the challenges involved in developing self-cleaning photocatalytic materials; photocatalytic hydrogen generation; photocatalysts in the synthesis of chemicals; and photocatalysis in food packaging and biomedical and medical applications. The book also critically discusses concepts for the future of photocatalysis, providing a fascinating insight for researchers. Together with Photocatalysis: Fundamentals and Perspectives, these volumes provide a complete overview to photocatalysis.

Exhibiting both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic properties, nanocatalysts allow for rapid and selective chemical transformations, with the benefits of excellent product yield and ease of catalyst separation and recovery. This book reviews the catalytic performance and the synthesis and characterization of nanocatalysts, examining the current state of the art and pointing the way towards new avenues of research. Moreover, the authors discuss new and emerging applications of nanocatalysts and nanocatalysis, from pharmaceuticals to fine chemicals to renewable energy to biotransformations. Nanocatalysis features contributions from leading research groups around the world. These contributions reflect a thorough review of the current literature as well as the authors’ first-hand experience designing and synthesizing nanocatalysts and developing new applications for them. The book’s nineteen chapters offer a broad perspective, covering: Nanocatalysis for carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom coupling reactions Nanocatalysis for various organic transformations in fine chemical synthesis Nanocatalysis for oxidation, hydrogenation, and other related reactions Nanomaterial-based photocatalysis and biocatalysis Nanocatalysts to produce non-conventional energy such as hydrogen and biofuels Nanocatalysts and nano-biocatalysts in the chemical industry Readers will also learn about the latest spectroscopic and microscopy tools used in advanced characterization methods that shed new light on nanocatalysts and nanocatalysis. Moreover, the authors offer expert advice to help readers develop strategies to improve catalytic performance. Summarizing and reviewing all the most important advances in nanocatalysis over the last two decades, this book explains the many advantages of nanocatalysts over conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, providing the information and guidance needed for designing green, sustainable catalytic processes.

This book presents a range of nanocatalysts, together with their primary environmental applications and use in chemical production processes. In addition, it describes the nanomaterials used for catalysts and details their performance. The book introduces readers to the fundamentals and applications of nanocatalysis, synthesis, characterization, modification and application. Further topics include: landfill organic pollutant photodegradation; magnetic photocatalysis; synergistic effects on hydrogenated TiO2; and photoinduced fusion of gold-semiconductor nanoparticles. A detailed explanation of the chemistry of nanostructures and the ability to control materials at the nano-scale rounds out the coverage. Given the central importance of research in nanotechnology and nanoscience for the development of new catalysts, the book offers a valuable source of information for researchers and academics alike. It will also benefit industrial engineers and production managers who wish to understand the environmental impact of nanocatalysts.

This thesis systematically introduces readers to a new metal-organic framework approach to fabricating nanostructured materials for electrochemical applications. Based on the metal-organic framework (MOF) approach, it also demonstrates the latest ideas on how to create optimal MOF and MOF-derived nanomaterials for electrochemical reactions under controlled conditions. The thesis offers a valuable resource for researchers who want to understand electrochemical reactions at nanoscale and optimize materials from rational design to achieve enhanced electrochemical performance. It also serves as a useful reference guide to fundamental research on advanced electrochemical energy storage materials and the synthesis of nanostructured materials.

Nanoparticles in Catalysis Discover an essential overview of recent advances and trends in nanoparticle catalysis Catalysis in the presence of metal nanoparticles is an important and rapidly developing research field at the frontier of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. In Nanoparticles in Catalysis, accomplished chemists and authors Karine Philippot and Alain Roucoux deliver a comprehensive guide to the key aspects of nanoparticle catalysis, ranging from synthesis, activation methodology, characterization, and theoretical modeling, to application in important catalytic reactions, like hydrogen production and biomass conversion. The book offers readers a review of modern and efficient tools for the synthesis of nanoparticles in solution or onto supports. It emphasizes the application of metal nanoparticles in important catalytic reactions and includes chapters on activation methodology and supported nanoclusters. Written by an international team of leading voices in the field, Nanoparticles in Catalysis is an indispensable resource for researchers and professionals in academia and industry alike. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to New Trends in the Design of Metal Nanoparticles and Derived Nanomaterials for Catalysis An exploration of Dynamic Catalysis and the Interface Between Molecular and Heterogeneous Catalysts A practical discussion of Metal Nanoparticles in Water: A Relevant Toolbox for Green Catalysis Organometallic Metal Nanoparticles for Catalysis A concise treatment of the opportunities and challenges of CO2 Hydrogenation to Oxygenated Chemicals Over Supported Nanoparticle Catalysts Perfect for catalytic, organic, inorganic, and physical chemists, Nanoparticles in Catalysis will also earn a place in the libraries of chemists working with organometallics and materials scientists seeking a one-stop resource with expert knowledge on the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticle catalysis.

The consumption of petroleum has surged during the 20th century, at least partially because of the rise of the automobile industry. Today, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas provide more than three quarters of the world's energy. Unfortunately, the growing demand for fossil fuel resources comes at a time of diminishing reserves of these nonrenewable resources. The worldwide reserves of oil are sufficient to supply energy and chemicals for only about another 40 years, causing widening concerns about rising oil prices. The use of biomass to produce energy is only one form of renewable energy that can be utilized to reduce the impact of energy production and use on the global environment. Biomass can be converted into three main products such as energy, biofuels and fine chemicals using a number of different processes. Today, it is a great challenge for researchers to find new environmentally benign methodology for biomass conversion, which are industrially profitable as well. This book focuses on the conversion of biomass to biofuels, bioenergy and fine chemicals with the interface of biotechnology, microbiology, chemistry and materials science. An international scientific authorship summarizes the state-of-the-art of the current research and gives an outlook on future developments.

A guide to the effective catalysts and latest advances in CO2 conversion in chemicals and fuels Carbon dioxide hydrogenation is one of the most promising and economic techniques to utilize CO2 emissions to produce value-added chemicals. With contributions from an international team of experts on the topic, CO2 Hydrogenation Catalysis offers a comprehensive review of the most recent developments in the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to formic acid/formate, methanol, methane, and C2+ products. The book explores the electroreduction of carbon dioxide and contains an overview on hydrogen production from formic acid and methanol. With a practical review of the advances and challenges in future CO2 hydrogenation research, the book provides an important guide for researchers in academia and industry working in the field of catalysis, organometallic chemistry, green and sustainable chemistry, as well as energy conversion and storage. This important book: Offers a unique review of effective catalysts and the latest advances in CO2 conversion Explores how to utilize CO2 emissions to produce value-added chemicals and fuels such as methanol, olefins, gasoline, aromatics Includes the latest research in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis as well as electrocatalysis Highlights advances and challenges for future investigation Written for chemists, catalytic chemists, electrochemists, chemists in industry, and chemical engineers, CO2 Hydrogenation Catalysis offers a comprehensive resource to understanding how CO2 emissions can create value-added chemicals.