The book is a multi-author survey (in 15 chapters) of the current state of knowledge and recent developments in our understanding of oxide surfaces. The author list includes most of the acknowledged world experts in this field. The material covered includes fundamental theory and experimental studies of the geometrical, vibrational and electronic structure of such surfaces, but with a special emphasis on the chemical properties and associated reactivity. The main focus is on metal oxides but coverage extends from 'simple' rocksalt materials such as MgO through to complex transition metal oxides with different valencies.

Fuel cells are one of the most promising clean energy conversion devices that can solve the environmental and energy problems in our society. However, the high platinum loading of fuel cells - and thus their high cost - prevents their commercialization. Non- or low- platinum electrocatalysts are needed to lower the fuel cell cost. Electrocatalysis in Fuel Cells: A Non and Low Platinum Approach is a comprehensive book summarizing recent advances of electrocatalysis in oxygen reduction and alcohol oxidation, with a particular focus on non- and low-Pt electrocatalysts. All twenty four chapters were written by worldwide experts in their fields. The fundamentals and applications of novel electrocatalysts are discussed thoroughly in the book. The book is geared toward researchers in the field, postgraduate students and lecturers, and scientists and engineers at fuel cell and automotive companies. It can even be a reference book for those who are interested in this area.

The book starts with a theoretical understanding of electrocatalysis in the framework of density functional theory followed by a vivid review of oxygen reduction reactions. A special emphasis has been placed on electrocatalysts for a proton-exchange membrane-based fuel cell where graphene with noble metal dispersion plays a significant role in electron transfer at thermodynamically favourable conditions. The latter part of the book deals with two 2D materials with high economic viability and process ability and MoS2 and WS2 for their prospects in water-splitting from renewable energy.

Gold has traditionally been regarded as inactive as a catalytic metal. However, the advent of nanoparticulate gold on high surface area oxide supports has demonstrated its high catalytic activity in many chemical reactions. Gold is active as a heterogeneous catalyst in both gas and liquid phases, and complexes catalyse reactions homogeneously in solution. Many of the reactions being studied will lead to new application areas for catalysis by gold in pollution control, chemical processing, sensors and fuel cell technology. This book describes the properties of gold, the methods for preparing gold catalysts and ways to characterise and use them effectively in reactions. The reaction mechanisms and reasons for the high activities are discussed and the applications for gold catalysis considered./a

Research on alternative energy harvesting technologies, conversion and storage systems with high efficiency, cost-effective and environmentally friendly systems, such as fuel cells, rechargeable metal-air batteries, unitized regenerative cells, and water electrolyzers has been stimulated by the global demand on energy. The conversion between oxygen and water plays a key step in the development of oxygen electrodes: oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), processes activated mostly by precious metals, like platinum. Their scarcity, their prohibitive cost, and declining activity greatly hamper large-scale applications. This issue reports on novel non-precious metal electrocatalysts based on the innovative design in chemical compositions, structure, and morphology, and supports for the oxygen reaction.

Rapid industrialization and urbanization associated with the environment changes calls for reduced pollution and thereby least use of fossil fuels. Biofuel cells are bioenergy resources and biocompatible alternatives to conventional fuel cells. Biofuel cells are one of the new sustainable renewable energy sources that are based on the direct conversion of chemical matters to electricity with the aid of microorganisms or enzymes as biocatalysts. The gradual depletion of fossil fuels, increasing energy needs, and the pressing problem of environmental pollution have stimulated a wide range of research and development efforts for renewable and environmentally friendly energy. Energy generation from biomass resources by employing biofuel cells is crucial for sustainable development. Biofuel cells have attracted considerable attention as micro- or even nano-power sources for implantable biomedical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, implantable self-powered sensors, and biosensors for monitoring physiological parameters. This book covers the most recent developments and offers a detailed overview of fundamentals, principles, mechanisms, properties, optimizing parameters, analytical characterization tools, various types of biofuel cells, all-category of materials, catalysts, engineering architectures, implantable biofuel cells, applications and novel innovations and challenges in this sector. This book is a reference guide for anyone working in the areas of energy and the environment.

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of nanocarbon electrochemistry The discoveries of new carbon materials such as fullerene, graphene, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoribbon, carbon dots, and graphdiyne have triggered numerous research advances in the field of electrochemistry. This book brings together up-to-date accounts of the recent progress, developments, and achievements in the electrochemistry of different carbon materials, focusing on their unique properties and various applications. Nanocarbon Electrochemistry begins by looking at the studies of heterogeneous electron transfer at various carbon electrodes when redox-active molecules are reversibly and specifically adsorbed on the carbon electrode surface. It then covers electrochemical energy storage applications of various carbon materials, particularly the construction and performance of supercapacitors and batteries by use of graphene and related materials. Next, it concentrates on electrochemical energy conversion applications where electrocatalysis at 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D carbon materials nanocarbon materials is highlighted. The book finishes with an examination of the contents of electrogenerated chemiluminescence and photoelectrochemical pollutant degradation by use of diamond and related carbon materials. Covers the fundamental properties of different carbon materials and their applications across a wide range of areas Provides sufficient background regarding different applications, which contributes to the understanding of specialists and non-specialists Examines nanoelectrochemistry of adsorption-coupled electron transfer at carbon electrodes; graphene and graphene related materials; diamond electrodes for the electrogenerated chemiluminescence; and more Features contributions from an international team of distinguished researchers Nanocarbon Electrochemistry is an ideal book for students, researchers, and industrial partners working on many diverse fields of electrochemistry, whether they already make frequent use of carbon electrodes in one form of another or are looking at electrodes for new applications.