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.

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

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 the 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 complex metal oxide compounds and composite materials for use in gas, VOC, and humidity sensors

The earliest experimental data on an oxygen-free glass have been published by Schulz-Sellack in 1870 [1]. Later on, in 1902, Wood [2], as well as Meier in 1910 [3], carried out the first researches on the optical properties of vitreous selenium. The interest in the glasses that exhibit transparency in the infrared region of the optical spectrum rose at the beginning of the twentieth century. Firstly were investigated the heavy metal oxides and the transparency limit was extended from (the case of the classical oxide glasses) up to wavelength. In order to extend this limit above the scientists tried the chemical compositions based on the elements of the sixth group of the Periodic Table, the chalcogens: sulphur, selenium and tellurium. The systematic research in the field of glasses based on chalcogens, called chalcogenide glasses, started at the middle of our century. In 1950 Frerichs [4] investigated the glass and published the paper: “New optical glasses transparent in infrared up to 12 . Several years later he started the study of the selenium glass and prepared several binary glasses with sulphur [5]. Glaze and co-workers [6] developed in 1957 the first method for the preparation of the glass at the industrial scale, while Winter-Klein [7] published reports on numerous chalcogenides prepared in the vitreous state.

Tin Oxide Materials: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications discusses the latest in metal oxides, an emerging area in electronic materials. As more is learned about this important materials system, more functionalities and applications have been revealed. This key reference on the topic covers important material that is ideal for materials scientists, materials engineers and materials chemists who have been introduced to metal oxides as a general category of materials, but want to take the next step and learn more about a specific material. - Provides a complete resource on tin oxide materials systems, including in-depth discussions of properties, their synthesis, modelling methods, and applications - Presents information on the well-investigated SnO2, but also includes discussions on its emerging stoichiometries, such as SnO and Sn3O4 - Includes the most relevant applications in varistors, sensing devices, fuel cells, transistors, biological studies, and much more

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.

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