This book explores the conversion for solar energy into renewable liquid fuels through electrochemical reactions. The first section of the book is devoted to the theoretical fundamentals of solar fuels production, focusing on the surface properties of semiconductor materials in contact with aqueous solutions and the reaction mechanisms. The second section describes a collection of current, relevant characterization techniques, which provide essential information of the band structure of the semiconductors and carrier dynamics at the interface semiconductor. The third, and last section comprises the most recent developments in materials and engineered structures to optimize the performance of solar-to-fuel conversion devices.

Photoelectrochemical processes due to the symbiosis of photochemical and electrochemical processes result in unique reaction pathways and products. This technique catalysed by nanomaterials is extensively used to harness sunlight for production of fuels and chemical feedstocks. This book explains the basic concepts of photoelectrochemistry as well as their application in the generation of solar fuels from water, CO2 and N2 as feedstocks. It also contains standard methodologies and benchmarks of fuel production including current state of the art in nanocatalysts as well as their mechanism of action. This book: Explores fundamentals and real-time applications of photoelectrochemistry in fuel generation Reviews basic theory and best-known catalysts and best conditions/processes for fuel generation in each of the chapters Covers standard methodologies, processes, and limitations for large-scale applications Focusses on sustainable production of fuels from renewable energy and resources This book aims at graduate students/researchers in chemical, energy and materials engineering.

This book provides a broad overall view of the photoelectrochemical systems for solar hydrogen generation, and new and novel materials for photoelectrochemical solar cell applications. Hydrogen has a huge potential as a safe and efficient energy carrier, which can be used directly in fuel cells to obtain electricity, or it can be used in the chemical industry, fossil fuel processing or ammonia production. However, hydrogen is not freely available in nature and it needs to be produced. Photoelectrochemical solar cells produce hydrogen from water using sunlight and specialized semiconductors, which use solar energy to directly dissociate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Hence, these systems reduce fossil fuels dependency and curb carbon dioxide emissions. Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells compiles the objectives related to the new semiconductor materials and manufacturing techniques for solar hydrogen generation. The chapters are written by distinguished authors who have extensive experience in their fields. Multidisciplinary contributors from physics, chemical engineering, materials science, and electrical and electronic information engineering, provide an in-depth coverage of the topic. Readers and users have the opportunity to learn not only about the fundamentals but also the various aspects of the materials science and manufacturing technologies for photoelectrochemical solar cells and the hydrogen generation systems via photoelectrochemical conversion. This groundbreaking book features: Description of solar hydrogen generation via photoelectrochemical process Designs of photoelectrochemical systems Measurements and efficiency definition protocols for photoelectrochemical solar cells Metal oxides for solar water splitting Semiconductor photocatalysts Bismuth vanadate-based materials for solar water splitting Copper-based chalcopyrite and kesterite materials for solar water splitting Eutectic composites for solar water splitting Photocatalytic formation of composite electrodes

Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production describes the principles and materials challenges for the conversion of sunlight into hydrogen through water splitting at a semiconducting electrode. Readers will find an analysis of the solid state properties and materials requirements for semiconducting photo-electrodes, a detailed description of the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, in addition to the photo-electrochemical (PEC) cell. Experimental techniques to investigate both materials and PEC device performance are outlined, followed by an overview of the current state-of-the-art in PEC materials and devices, and combinatorial approaches towards the development of new materials. Finally, the economic and business perspectives of PEC devices are discussed, and promising future directions indicated. Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production is a one-stop resource for scientists, students and R&D practitioners starting in this field, providing both the theoretical background as well as useful practical information on photoelectrochemical measurement techniques. Experts in the field benefit from the chapters on current state-of-the-art materials/devices and future directions.

SOLAR FUELS In this book, you will have the opportunity to have comprehensive knowledge about the use of energy from the sun, which is our source of life, by converting it into different chemical fuels as well as catching up with the latest technology. The most important obstacle to solar meeting all our energy needs is that solar energy is not always accessible and, therefore, cannot be used when needed. Consequently, the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, which has become increasingly important in recent years, is a groundbreaking topic in the field of renewable energy. This type of chemical energy is called solar fuel. Hydrogen, methanol, methane, and carbon monoxide are among the solar fuels, which can be produced via solar-thermal, artificial photosynthesis, photocatalytic or photoelectrochemical routes. Solar Fuels compiles the objectives related to the new semiconductor materials and manufacturing techniques for solar fuel generation. Chapters are written by distinguished authors who have extensive experience in their fields. A multidisciplinary contributor profile, including chemical engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering provides a broader point of view and coverage of the topic. Therefore, readers absolutely will have a chance to learn about not only the fundamentals, but also the various aspects of materials science and manufacturing technologies for solar fuel production. Moreover, readers from diverse fields should take advantage of this book to comprehend the impacts of solar energy conversion in chemical form. Audience The book will be of interest to a multidisciplinary group of fields in industry and academia, including physics, chemistry, materials science, biochemical engineering, optoelectronic information, photovoltaic and renewable energy engineering, electrochemistry, electrical engineering, and mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

This book features different approaches to non-biochemical pathways for solar fuel production. This one-of-a-kind book addresses photovoltaics, photocatalytic water splitting for clean hydrogen production and CO2 conversion to hydrocarbon fuel through in-depth comprehensive contributions from a select blend of established and experienced authors from across the world. The commercial application of solar based systems, with particular emphasis on non-PV based devices have been discussed. This book intends to serve as a primary resource for a multidisciplinary audience including chemists, engineers and scientists providing a one-stop location for all aspects related to solar fuel production. The material is divided into three sections: Solar assisted water splitting to produce hydrogen; Solar assisted CO2 utilization to produce green fuels and Solar assisted electricity generation. The content strikes a balance between theory, material synthesis and application with the central theme being solar fuels.

The development of renewable and environmentally benign methods to replace fossil fuel extraction for chemical and fuel production is vital to reduce CO2 emissions and limit the effects of climate change. Solar energy is widely available as a renewable clean energy source. The use of photoelectrochemistry to harness solar energy for chemical and fuel production can decrease society's dependence on fossil fuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The key component of a photoelectrochemical cell is the semiconductor photoelectrode. Bi-based oxide materials have been shown to be effective photoelectrodes due to their small band gaps and excellent charge separation efficiencies. Current areas of research into photoelectrodes include new material discovery, optimization of already known materials, and investigation of new reactions to perform photoelectrochemically. The work herein presents research into all of these areas using Bi-based and other metal oxide materials. First, a combined experimental and computational investigation of the interface between BiVO4 and FeOOH was conducted to improve our understanding of charge transfer between a photoabsorber and catalyst layer. It was discovered that varying the surface of BiVO4 between stoichiometric and Bi-rich affects the deposition of the FeOOH layer, and therefore the energetics at the interface, leading to significantly improved performance for the Bi-rich film. Alcohol oxidation on a BiVO4 photoanode was also investigated using the renewable feedstock chemical glycerol as a method for renewable chemical production. It was discovered that BiVO4 has a unique ability to promote a C-C coupling reaction that generates glycolaldehyde as the primary product, which has never been reported. SrBiO3 was also discovered as a photoelectrode material and synthesized as a thin film under ambient pressure for the first time. Investigation of its material properties and photoelectrochemical performance found SrBiO3 to be a promising photocathode material. Finally, a new electrochemical synthesis method was developed for the materials Fe2O3, CuO, CuFe2O4, and CuFeO2 utilizing the oxidation of catechol-metal complexes to deposit the desired metals. This method allowed for controlled ratios of Cu and Fe to be deposited and resulted in high surface area films that are favorable for use as photoelectrodes.