This thesis examines electrode materials such as mesoporous carbons, manganese oxides, iron oxides and their nanohybrids with graphene. It also explores several of the key scientific issues that act as the governing principles for future development of supercapacitors, which are a promising class of high-efficiency energy storage devices for tackling a key aspect of the energy crisis. However, critical technical issues, such as the low energy density and reliability, need to be addressed before they can be extended to a wide range of applications with much improved performance. Currently available material candidates for the electrodes all have their disadvantages, such as a low specific capacitance or poor conductivity for transition metal oxide/hydroxide-based materials. This thesis addresses these important issues, and develops a high-performance, flexible asymmetric supercapacitor with manganese oxides/reduced graphene oxide as the positive electrode and iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide as the anode, which delivers a high energy density of 0.056 Wh cm-3.

Microsupercapacitors systematically guides the reader through the key materials, characterization techniques, performance factors and potential applications and benefits to society of this emerging electrical energy storage solution. The book reviews the technical challenges in scaling down supercapacitors, covering materials, performance, design and applications perspectives. Sections provide a fundamental understanding of microsupercapacitors and compare them to existing energy storage technologies. Final discussions consider the factors that impact performance, potential tactics to improve performance, barriers to implementation, emerging solutions to those barriers, and a future outlook. This book will be of particular interest to materials scientists and engineers working in academia, research and development. - Provides a concise introduction of the fundamental science, related technological challenges, and solutions that microsupercapacitors can offer - Compares microsupercapacitors with current technologies - Reviews the applications of new strategies and the challenge of scaling down supercapacitors - Covers the most relevant applications, including energy storage, energy harvesting, sensors and biomedical devices

The 21 chapters in this book presents a comprehensive overview of flexible supercapacitors using engineering nanoarchitectures mediated by functional nanomaterials and polymers as electrodes, electrolytes, and separators, etc. for advanced energy applications. The various aspects of flexible supercapacitors, including capacitor electrochemistry, evaluating parameters, operating conditions, characterization techniques, different types of electrodes, electrolytes, and flexible substrates are covered. This is probably the first book of its type which systematically describes the recent developments and progress in flexible supercapacitor technology, and will be very helpful for generating new and innovative ideas in the field of energy storage material for wearable/flexible industry applications.

This book commemorates the “Nobel Laureate Professor Suzuki Special Symposium” at the International Union of Material Research Society–International Conference on Advanced Materials (IUMRS-ICAM2017), which was held at Kyoto University, Japan, in 2017. The book begins with a foreword by Professor Akira Suzuki. Subsequently, many authors who attended the special symposium describe the latest scientific advances in the field of carbon materials and carbon nanomaterials including polymers, carbon nanocomposites, and graphene. Carbon-based materials have recently been the focus of considerable attention, given their wide range of potential applications. Fittingly, the chapters in this book cover both experimental and theoretical approaches in several categories of carbon-related materials.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage addresses current challenges and covers design and fabrication approaches for nanomaterials based on metal organic frameworks for energy generation and storage technologies. The effect of synthetic diversity, functionalization, ways of improving conductivity and electronic transportation, tuning-in porosity to accommodate various types of electrolyte, and the criteria to achieve the appropriate pore size, shape and surface group of different metal sites and ligands are explored. The effect of integration of other elements, such as second metals or hetero-atomic doping in the system, to improve catalytic activity and durability, are also covered. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and energy scientists looking to further their understanding on how metal organic framework-based nanomaterials are being used to create more efficient energy conversion and storage systems. - Describes major metal organic framework-based nanomaterials applications for fuel cell, battery, supercapacitor and photovoltaic applications - Provides information on the various nanomaterial types used for creating the most efficient energy conversion and storage systems - Assesses the major challenges of using nanotechnology to manufacture energy conversion and storage systems on an industrial scale

Advances in Metal Oxides and their Composites for Emerging Applications reviews key properties of metal-oxide based composites, including their structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical components and resulting performance in a wide range of diverse applications. Synthetic protocols used to create metal oxides with desirable morphologies, properties and performance for applications in solar energy harvesting, energy storage and environmental remediation are emphasized. Emerging technologies that address important global challenges such as energy shortage, the hazardous effects of non-renewable energy sources, unaffordable energy technologies, and the contaminants present in air and water are also covered. This book is an ideal resource for materials scientists and engineers working in academia and R&D. In addition, it's appropriate for those who either need an introduction to potential research directions or for experienced researchers and practitioners looking for a key reference on the latest advances. - Introduces the fundamental properties of metal oxide-based composites, paying special attention to physicochemical, optical, electrical and structural characteristics - Provides an overview of the synthetic protocols used to design and tune the properties of metal oxide-based composites for key emerging applications - Discusses metal oxide-based composites and their use in energy applications such as energy storage, energy harvesting and environmental remediation