The Electrocaloric Effect: Materials and Applications reviews the fundamentals of the electrocaloric effect, the most relevant electrocaloric materials, and electrocaloric measurements and device applications. The book introduces the electrocaloric effect, along with modeling and simulations of this effect. Then, it addresses the latest advances in synthesis, characterization and optimization of the most relevant electrocaloric materials, including ferroelectric materials, liquid materials, lead-free materials, polymers and composites. Finally, there is a review of the latest techniques in measurement and applications in refrigeration and cooling and a discussion of the advantages, challenges and perspectives of the future of electrocaloric refrigeration. - Provides a comprehensive introduction to the electrocaloric effect including experimental techniques to measure, model, and simulate the effect - Reviews the most relevant electrocaloric materials such as composites, polymers, metal oxides, ferroelectric materials, and more - Touches on the design and application of electrocaloric materials for devices with potential cooling and refrigeration applications

This book shows how a small toolbox of experimental techniques, physical chemistry concepts as well as quantum/classical mechanics and statistical methods can be used to understand, explain and even predict extraordinary applications of these advanced engineering materials and biomolecules. It highlights how improving the material foresight by design, including the fundamental understanding of their physical and chemical properties, can provide new technological levels in the future.

As the finite capacity and pollution problems of fossil fuels grow more pressing, new sources of more sustainable energy are being developed. Materials for energy conversion devices summarises the key research on new materials which can be used to generate clean and renewable energy or to help manage problems from existing energy sources. The book discusses the range of materials that can be used to harness and convert solar energy in particular, including the properties of oxide materials and their use in producing hydrogen fuel. It covers thermoelectric materials and devices for power generation, ionic conductors and new types of fuel cell. There are also chapters on the use of such materials in the immobilisation of nuclear waste and as electrochemical gas sensors for emission control. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Materials for energy conversion devices is a standard reference for all those researching and developing a new generation of materials and technologies for our energy need. Detailed coverage of solar energy and thermoelectric conversion Comprehensive survey of new developments in this exciting field Edited by leading experts in the field with contributions from an international team of authors

Recent advances in solid-state chemistry have resulted in substantial progress towards achieving a better understanding of the solid state, and have even led to the development of new predictive capabilities in crystal chemistry. Entirely new ways of studying and preparing advanced materials have been the result of pursuing the so-called "soft chemistry" approach to materials science.

Nonstoichiometric Oxides discusses the thermodynamic and structural studies of nonstoichiometric oxides. This eight-chapter text also covers the defect-defect interactions in these compounds. The introductory chapters describe the thermodynamic properties of nonstoichiometric oxides in terms of defect complexes using the classical thermodynamic principles and from a statistical thermodynamics point of view. These chapters also include statistical thermodynamic models that indicate the ordered nonstoichiometric phase range in these oxides. The subsequent chapters examine the transport properties, such as diffusion and electrical conductivity. Diffusion theories and experimental diffusion coefficients for several systems, as well as the electrical properties of the highly defective ionic and mixed oxide conductor, are specifically tackled in these chapters. The concluding chapters present the pertinent results obtained in nonstoichiometric oxide structural studies using high-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray and neutron diffraction. Inorganic chemists and inorganic chemistry teachers and students will greatly appreciate this book.