Multi-functional electrocatalysts are highly unique in that they display features that include the presence of multiple active sites that can simultaneously catalyse two or more different electrochemical reactions. They are particularly crucial for solving several pressing challenges and consequently are a priority in developing contemporary sustainable energy conversion and storage systems, such as fuel cells, metal–air batteries and electrolysers for green hydrogen production. This book will serve as a valuable reference for graduate students, researchers, and industrial practitioners working on electrochemical energy storage and conversion, electrocatalysis, materials chemistry and green hydrogen technologies.

This book addresses some essential topics in the science of energy converting devices emphasizing recent aspects of nano-derived materials in the application for the protection of the environment, storage, and energy conversion. The aim, therefore, is to provide the basic background knowledge. The electron transfer process and structure of the electric double layer and the interaction of species with surfaces and the interaction, reinforced by DFT theory for the current and incoming generation of fuel cell scientists to study the interaction of the catalytic centers with their supports. The chief focus of the chapters is on materials based on precious and non-precious centers for the hydrogen electrode, the oxygen electrode, energy storage, and in remediation applications, where the common issue is the rate-determining step in multi-electron charge transfer processes in electrocatalysis. These approaches are used in a large extent in science and technology, so that each chapter demonstrates the connection of electrochemistry, in addition to chemistry, with different areas, namely, surface science, biochemistry, chemical engineering, and chemical physics.

This book describes the rapidly expanding field of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes). It covers fundamental knowledge on synthesis, structure, and properties of these new materials, and a description of their processing, scale-up and emerging applications. The ways in which the quickly expanding family of MXenes can outperform other novel nanomaterials in a variety of applications, spanning from energy storage and conversion to electronics; from water science to transportation; and in defense and medical applications, are discussed in detail.

The development of nanomaterials plays a fundamental role in current and future technology applications, particularly nanomaterials that have multiple functionalities. This book provides a broad overview of the effect of nanostructuring in the multifunctionality of different widely studied nanomaterials. This book is divided into four sections constituting a road map that groups materials sharing certain types of nanostructuring, including nanoporous, nanoparticled, 2D laminar nanomaterials, and computational methods for characterizations of nanostructures. This structured approach in nanomaterials research will serve as a valuable reference material for chemists, (bio)engineers, physicists, nanotechnologists, undergraduates, and professors.

Dieses klar strukturierte Fachbuch legt den Schwerpunkt auf praktische Anwendungen von Nanokompositen und Nanotechnologien im Rahmen einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung. Es zeigt, wie Nanokomposite zur Lösung von Energie- und Umweltproblemen beitragen können, bietet zusätzlich einen breiten Überblick über Anwendungen im Energiebereich und behandelt eine einzigartige Auswahl an Umweltthemen. Der erste Teil beschäftigt sich mit Anwendungen wie Lithium-Ionen-Batterien, Solarzellen, Katalyse, Gewinnung von Wärme und Energie aus Abfällen mithilfe der Thermoelektrizität und Wasserspaltung. Der zweite Teil beleuchtet in einzigartiger Weise ökologische Themen, darunter Atommüllmanagement sowie die Abscheidung und Speicherung von Kohlendioxid. Dieses Fachbuch vermittelt auf erfolgreiche Weise Grundlagenwissen für Einsteiger als auch die neuesten Erkenntnisse für erfahrene Wissenschaftler, Ingenieure und Forscher aus der Industrie.

This book describes a science and technology of a new type of electrocatalysts consisting of a single atomic layer of platinum on suitable supports. This development helped overcome three major obstacles—catalysts‘ cost, activity, and stability—for a broad range of fuel cell applications. The volume begins with a short introduction to the science of electrocatalysis, covering four reactions important for energy conversion in fuel cells. A description follows of the properties of metal monolayers on electrode surfaces, and underpotential deposition of metals. The authors then describe the concept of Pt monolayer electrocatalysts and its implications and their synthesis by galvanic displacement of less-noble metal monolayers and other methods. The main part of the book presents a discussion of catalysts’ characterization and catalytic properties of Pt monolayers for the four main reactions of electrochemical energy conversion: oxygen reduction and oxidation of hydrogen, methanol and ethanol. The book concludes with a treatment of scale-up syntheses, fuel cell tests, catalysts’ stability and application prospects.