This book covers the recent development of metal oxides, hydroxides and their carbon composites for electrochemical oxidation of water in the production of hydrogen and oxygen as fuels. It includes a detailed discussion on synthesis methodologies for the metal oxides/hydroxides, structural/morphological characterizations, and the key parameters (Tafel plot, Turnover frequency, Faradic efficiency, overpotential, long cycle life etc.) needed to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of the materials. Additionally, the mechanism behind the electro oxidation process is presented. Readers will find a comprehensive source on the close correlation between metal oxides, hydroxides, composites, and their properties and importance in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen from water. The depletion of fossil fuels from the earth’s crust, and related environmental issues such as climate change, demand that we search for alternative energy resources to achieve some form of sustainable future. In this regard, much scientific research has been devoted to technologies such as solar cells, wind turbines, fuel cells etc. Among them fuel cells attract much attention because of their versatility and efficiency. In fuel cells, different fuels such as hydrogen, CO2, alcohols, acids, methane, oxygen/air, etc. are used as the fuel, and catalysts are employed to produce a chemical reaction for generating electricity. Hence, it is very important to produce these fuels in an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost effective manner. The electrochemical splitting of water is an environmentally friendly process to produce hydrogen (the greener fuel used in fuel cells), but the efficiencies of these hydrogen evolution reactions (cathodic half reaction) are strongly dependent on the anodic half reaction (oxygen evolution reaction), i.e., the better the anodic half, the better will be the cathodic reaction. Further, this oxygen evolution reaction depends on the types of active electrocatalysts used. Though many more synthetic approaches have been explored and different electrocatalysts developed, oxide and hydroxide-based nanomaterials and composites (with graphene, carbon nanotubes etc.) show better performance. This may be due to the availability of more catalytic surface area and electro active centers to carry out the catalysis process.

This book satisfies the interest and curiosity of beginners in thin film electrode preparations, characterizations, and device making, while providing insight into the area for experts. The considerable literature on ‘metal chalcogenides based carbon composites and their versatile applications’ reflect its importance for research and demonstrate how it’s now reached a level where the timely review is necessary to understand the current progress and recent trends and future opportunities. In the book, the authors examine recent advances in the state-of-the-art fabrication techniques of metal sulfide based carbon composites along with their working mechanisms, associated issues/solutions, and possible future are discussed. In addition, detailed insight into the properties and various applications including principles, design, fabrication, and engineering aspects are further discussed.

Metal-chalcogenides have exceptional properties and can be used for electronic devices, environmental monitoring, and sensing applications, for energy storage, as electrode materials, in fuel cells, membranes and for photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants in the field of waste-water treatment applications. Metal-Chalcogenide Nanocomposites: Fundamentals, Properties, and Industrial Applications focuses on metal chalcogenide nanomaterials for environmental remediation and corrosion applications. The chapters focuses on cost-effective and facile fabrication approaches, their growth mechanisms, optical, electrical, and other important properties and their applications in a broad range of diverse fields such as photocatalysis, photovoltaics, hydrogen production, lithium batteries, energy storage, anticorrosion, and sensor devices. The book will be an important information source for both material scientists and engineers who want to create the next generation of products and devices for energy and environmental applications. Covers fabrication, standard characterization, photocatalytic mechanisms, and environmentally-sustainable fabrication methods Applications covered include environmental, electronics, oil, gas, water treatment, sensing, and many more Includes challenges and future opportunities, which are discussed in detail

Metal Oxides and Related Solids for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting reviews the fundamentals and strategies needed to design and fabricate metal oxide-based electrocatalysts. After an introduction to the key properties of transition metal oxides, materials engineering methods to optimize the performance of metal-oxide based electrocatalysts are discussed. Strategies reviewed include defect engineering, interface engineering and doping engineering. Other sections cover important categories of metal-oxide (and related solids) based catalysts, including layered hydroxides, metal chalcogenides, metal phosphides, metal nitrides, metal borides, and more. Each chapter introduces important properties and material design strategies, including composite and morphology design. There is also an emphasis on cost-effective materials design and fabrication for optimized performance for electrocatalytic water splitting applications. Lastly, the book touches on recently developed in-situ characterization methods applied to observe and control the material synthesis process. Introduces metal oxide-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting applications, including their key properties, synthesis, design and fabrication strategies Reviews the most relevant materials design strategies, including defect engineering, interface engineering, and doping engineering Discusses the pros and cons of metal oxide-based materials for water splitting applications to aid in materials selection

Chalcogenide-Based Nanomaterials as Photocatalysts deals with the different types of chalcogenide-based photocatalytic reactions, covering the fundamental concepts of photocatalytic reactions involving chalcogenides for a range of energy and environmental applications. Sections focus on nanostructure control, synthesis methods, activity enhancement strategies, environmental applications, and perspectives of chalcogenide-based nanomaterials. The book offers guidelines for designing new chalcogenide-based nanoscale photocatalysts at low cost and high efficiency for efficient utilization of solar energy in the areas of energy production and environment remediation. Provides information on the development of novel chalcogenide-based nanomaterials Outlines the fundamentals of chalcogenides-based photocatalysis Includes techniques for heterogeneous catalysis based on chalcogenide-based nanomaterials

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

Complex and Composite Metal Oxides for Gas, VOC, and Humidity Sensors focuses on an overview of the advanced nanocomposite metal oxide materials for use in sensors for environmental monitoring applications. Volume 1 Fundamentals and Approaches introduces the ground rules essential for the development of smart gas, VOC and humidity sensors. This volume familiarizes researchers with the different sensors (resistive, electrolyte, FET, optical etc.) developed on various properties that includes electrical, SPR, luminescence, fiber optics etc. fabricated using metal oxide hybrids and nanocomposites. Introduces fundamentals of electrical and optical gas and humidity sensors Reviews metal oxide hybrid materials for gas and humidity sensor applications, including metal oxide/polymer and metal oxide/carbon composite materials Discusses metal oxide candidate materials for use in gas, VOC, and humidity sensors