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 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.

This book introduces the reader to the state of the art in nanostructured anode and cathode electrocatalysts for low-temperature acid and alkaline fuel cells. It explores the electrocatalysis of anode (oxidation of organic molecules) and cathode (oxygen reduction) reactions. It also offers insights into metal-carbon interactions, correlating them with the catalytic activity of the electrochemical reactions. The book explores the electrocatalytic behaviour of materials based on noble metals and their alloys, as well as metal-metal oxides and metal-free nanostructures. It also discusses the surface and structural modification of carbon supports to enhance the catalytic activity of electrocatalysts for fuel-cell reactions.

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are promising clean energy converting devices with high efficiency and low to zero emissions. Such power sources can be used in transportation, stationary, portable and micro power applications. The key components of these fuel cells are catalysts and catalyst layers. “PEM Fuel Cell Electrocatalysts and Catalyst Layers” provides a comprehensive, in-depth survey of the field, presented by internationally renowned fuel cell scientists. The opening chapters introduce the fundamentals of electrochemical theory and fuel cell catalysis. Later chapters investigate the synthesis, characterization, and activity validation of PEM fuel cell catalysts. Further chapters describe in detail the integration of the electrocatalyst/catalyst layers into the fuel cell, and their performance validation. Researchers and engineers in the fuel cell industry will find this book a valuable resource, as will students of electrochemical engineering and catalyst synthesis.

A comprehensive overview of the research developments in the burgeoning field of metal-air batteries An innovation in battery science and technology is necessary to build better power sources for our modern lifestyle needs. One of the main fields being explored for the possible breakthrough is the development of metal-air batteries. Metal-Air Batteries: Fundamentals and Applications offers a systematic summary of the fundamentals of the technology and explores the most recent advances in the applications of metal-air batteries. Comprehensive in scope, the text explains the basics in electrochemical batteries and introduces various species of metal-air batteries. The author-a noted expert in the field-explores the development of metal-air batteries in the order of Li-air battery, sodium-air battery, zinc-air battery and Mg-O2 battery, with the focus on the Li-air battery. The text also addresses topics such as metallic anode, discharge products, parasitic reactions, electrocatalysts, mediator, and X-ray diffraction study in Li-air battery. Metal-Air Batteries provides a summary of future perspectives in the field of the metal-air batteries. This important resource: -Covers various species of metal-air batteries and their components as well as system designation -Contains groundbreaking content that reviews recent advances in the field of metal-air batteries -Focuses on the battery systems which have the greatest potential for renewable energy storage Written for electrochemists, physical chemists, materials scientists, professionals in the electrotechnical industry, engineers in power technology, Metal-Air Batteries offers a review of the fundamentals and the most recent developments in the area of metal-air batteries.