Sol-Gel Processing for Conventional and Alternative Energy is a comprehensive source of information on the use of sol-gel processing in materials in energy systems, conversion, storage, and generation. The volume editors include numerous applications, primarily in nuclear fuel processing, electrolytes for fuel cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In addition to examining contemporary processing, properties, and industrial applications, "Sol-Gel Processing for Conventional and Alternative Energy" identifies materials challenges presented by conventional and alternative energy generation that require new materials and innovative processing. Each chapter is written by an internationally respected researcher. The book provides a state-of-the-art treatment of different aspects of materials for energy production, with a focus on processing, and covers related topics such as carbon sequestration, clean energy, and biofuels.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of nanocomposite materials obtained by the sol-gel method, from synthesis to applications and including design tools for combining different properties. Sol-gel nanocomposites are of great interest in meeting processing and application requirements for the development of multifunctional materials. These materials are already commercialized for a number of applications from scratch-resistant and anti-adhesive coatings to optical materials with active and passive properties. Biomedical applications, holographic recordings, fuel cells and hydrogen storage, resists and catalysts are among the potential uses. The novel mechanical, optical and electronic properties of nanocomposite materials depend not only on the individual component materials, but also on their morphology and nanoscale interfacial characteristics. Sol-gel is a highly versatile method for obtaining both the matrix and the filler of the nanocomposite and for chemically adjusting the interface to optimize structure and properties. Although nanocomposites are widely discussed in the literature, the focus has been mainly on polymer nanocomposites. This book addresses nanocomposites based on inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic matrices, with an emphasis on the scientific principles which are the basis for nanocomposite sol-gel synthesis and applications. A didactic approach is followed, with different topics developed from a fundamental point of view together with key examples and case studies. First comprehensive treatment of nanocomposites obtained by sol-gel methods Focuses on nanocomposites with inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic matrices Describes design tools to optimize structure and properties for various applications Covers synthesis, processing, characterization, and modeling Uses first principles to describe the influence of interfacial characteristics on materials properties Presents case studies for both films and bulk applications Provides examples of products on the market, with descriptions of the scientific principles at the base of their success Includes contributions from recognized leaders in this multidisciplinary area.

This completely updated and expanded second edition stands as a comprehensive knowledgebase on both the fundamentals and applications of this important materials processing method. The diverse, international team of contributing authors of this reference clarify in extensive detail properties and applications of sol-gel science and technology as it pertains to the production of substances, active and non-active, including optical, electronic, chemical, sensor, bio- and structural materials. Essential to a wide range of manufacturing industries, the compilation divides into the three complementary sections: Sol-Gel Processing, devoted to general aspects of processing and recently developed materials such as organic-inorganic hybrids, photonic crystals, ferroelectric coatings, and photocatalysts; Characterization of Sol-Gel Materials and Products, presenting contributions that highlight the notion that useful materials are only produced when characterization is tied to processing, such as determination of structure by NMR, in-situ characterization of the sol-gel reaction process, determination of microstructure of oxide gels, characterization of porous structure of gels by the surface measurements, and characterization of organic-inorganic hybrid; and Applications of Sol-Gel Technology, covering applications such as the sol-gel method used in processing of bulk silica glasses, bulk porous gels prepared by sol-gel method, application of sol-gel method to fabrication of glass and ceramic fibers, reflective and antireflective coating films, application of sol-gel method to formation of photocatalytic coating films, and application of sol-gel method to bioactive coating films. The comprehensive scope and integrated treatment of topics make this reference volume ideal for R&D scientists and engineers across a wide range of disciplines and professional interests.

This comprehensive three-volume handbook brings together a review of the current state together with the latest developments in sol-gel technology to put forward new ideas. The first volume, dedicated to synthesis and shaping, gives an in-depth overview of the wet-chemical processes that constitute the core of the sol-gel method and presents the various pathways for the successful synthesis of inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic materials, bio- and bio-inspired materials, powders, particles and fibers as well as sol-gel derived thin films, coatings and surfaces. The second volume deals with the mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of sol-gel derived materials and the methods for their characterization such as diffraction methods and nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The third volume concentrates on the various applications in the fields of membrane science, catalysis, energy research, biomaterials science, biomedicine, photonics and electronics.

This comprehensive three-volume handbook brings together a review of the current state together with the latest developments in sol-gel technology to put forward new ideas. The first volume, dedicated to synthesis and shaping, gives an in-depth overview of the wet-chemical processes that constitute the core of the sol-gel method and presents the various pathways for the successful synthesis of inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic materials, bio- and bio-inspired materials, powders, particles and fibers as well as sol-gel derived thin films, coatings and surfaces. The second volume deals with the mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of sol-gel derived materials and the methods for their characterization such as diffraction methods and nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The third volume concentrates on the various applications in the fields of membrane science, catalysis, energy research, biomaterials science, biomedicine, photonics and electronics.

The book focuses on aerogels for biomedical applications, thermal insulation, energy storage, fuel cells, batteries and environmental remediation. Keywords: Aerogels, Biomedical Applications, Implantable Devices, Tissue Engineering, Bone Regeneration, Biosensing, Pharmacological Applications, Catalysts, Water Purification, Pesticides, Thermal Insulation, Energy Storage, Fuel Cells, Batteries, Environmental Remediation, Polymer Aerogels, Bioaerogels, Carbon-based Aerogels.

Introduction to Solid State Ionics: Phenomenology and Applications presents a pedagogical, graduate-level treatment of the science and technology of superionic conductors, also known as fast ion conductors or solid electrolytes. Suitable for physics, materials science, and engineering researchers and students, the text emphasizes basic physics and

Electrocatalysis for Membrane Fuel Cells Comprehensive resource covering hydrogen oxidation reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, classes of electrocatalytic materials, and characterization methods Electrocatalysis for Membrane Fuel Cells focuses on all aspects of electrocatalysis for energy applications, covering perspectives as well as the low-temperature fuel systems principles, with main emphasis on hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Following an introduction to basic principles of electrochemistry for electrocatalysis with attention to the methods to obtain the parameters crucial to characterize these systems, Electrocatalysis for Membrane Fuel Cells covers sample topics such as: Electrocatalytic materials and electrode configurations, including precious versus non-precious metal centers, stability and the role of supports for catalytic nano-objects; Fundamentals on characterization techniques of materials and the various classes of electrocatalytic materials; Theoretical explanations of materials and systems using both Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular modelling; Principles and methods in the analysis of fuel cells systems, fuel cells integration and subsystem design. Electrocatalysis for Membrane Fuel Cells quickly and efficiently introduces the field of electrochemistry, along with synthesis and testing in prototypes of materials, to researchers and professionals interested in renewable energy and electrocatalysis for chemical energy conversion.

Sustainable and Green Electrochemical Science and Technology brings together the basic concepts of electrochemical science and engineering and shows how these are applied in an industrial context, emphasising the major role that electrochemistry plays within society and industry in providing cleaner, greener and more sustainable technologies. Electrochemistry has many applications for sustainability; it can be used to store energy, synthesise materials and chemicals, to generate power and to recycle valuable resources. Coverage includes Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis and Thermodynamics Electrochemical Cells, Materials and Reactors Carbon Dioxide Reduction and Electro-Organic Synthesis Hydrogen production and Water Electrolysis Inorganic Synthesis Electrochemical Energy Storage and Power Sources Electrochemical processes for recycling and resource recovery Fuel Cell Technologies This book is targeted at both industrial and academic readers, providing a good technological reference base for electrochemistry. It will enable the reader to build on basic principles of electrochemistry, and takes these through to cell design for various and diverse applications.

Presents a diverse perspective of successful, inspirational and progressive women in science and engineering Women of today from 29 countries provide overviews of their successful careers, the challenges they faced, and offer advice. They have lived in the same era, and perhaps also the same environment as you. Successful Women Ceramic and Glass Scientists and Engineers: 100 Inspirational Profiles features women born in the 1920’s to 1970’s. Reflecting a diversity of backgrounds and different sectors of the workforce, their profiles include: ̶- Affiliation, points of contact, accomplishments (most-cited publication, most prestigious recognitions/awards, etc.), personal insight on her best career moment ̶ Brief biography, highlights of her successes, images from her career ̶ Personal commentary on her own career and pointers for younger scientists building careers This book provides novelty, inspiration, motivation and a bright perspective for the next generation of scientists and engineers seeking exciting and fulfilling careers. This book will be invaluable to mentors/professors, students and prospective students in science and engineering, scholars of gender studies, and scientific and engineering societies and organizations. “Lynnette Madsen has done a great service in writing this book, not just for women, but for society at large, because in the twenty-first century, we can no longer underutilize or ignore that half of the best." ̶ Rita Colwell, Director, United States National Science Foundation 1998-2004, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland, College Park, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health "The book shows that opportunities in science exist in many countries around the world. Reading about the ways that took those women to their current positions is an exciting adventure." ̶ Yury Gogotsi, Professor, Drexel University "In addition to chronicling careers of great scientists, this book presents an array of career paths to young women and men -- a must read." ̶ Dr. Rainer Waser, Professor, Aachen University, Germany “It is inspiring to see that the successful women highlighted in this work are approaching life with courage and joy; they are changing paradigms and serving as voices for young girls. They are passionate about making a difference and breaking barriers; they are classy and fabulous." ̶ Dr. Olivia Graeve, Professor, University of California, San Diego