Heterostructured Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion provides a comprehensive description of novel z-scheme hybrid materials based on metal oxide or chalcogenides-based semiconductor, or carbon-based nanomaterials (conducting polymers, graphene, and other carbon materials). The book explores energy conversion applications, such as hydrogen generation, water splitting, CO2 reduction or degradation of organic pollutants, and their associated new material and technology development. The book addresses a variety of topics, such as photochemical processes, materials and fabrication, degradation mechanisms, as well as challenges and strategies. The book includes in-depth discussions ranging from comprehensive understanding, to engineering of materials and applied devices. The concept of visible light active catalysis emerged in recent decades and continues to attract the scientific community. Driven primarily by an opportunity to develop novel multifunctional materials on one hand, and sustainable technologies on the other, several successful approaches have been explored. However, preparation, characterization, and application of visible light active Z-scheme heterojunction-based catalytic nanostructures are still at the foreground of research activity. Provides an overview on recently developed Z-scheme photocatalysts to stress their performance as catalysts Covers most of the important topics in photocatalysis Explores the most recent advances in synthesis to enable deeper understanding of the principles underlying electronic behavior of catalytic nanostructures, mechanistic details, and the evaluation of their effectiveness, as well as perspectives in solar light harvesting Serves as a valuable resource for better understanding of the current state of photocatalysis research and its possible applications in energy domain

As the search for renewable sources of energy grows more urgent, more and more attention is focusing on the blueprint offered by biological photosynthesis for translating the energy of our Sun into energy rich molecules like H2 and carbohydrates, commonly known as "solar fuels." These solar fuels have enormous potential to store high densities of energy in the form of chemical bonds as well as being transportable. This book offers a complete overview of the promising approaches to solar fuel generation, including the direct pathways of solar H2 generation and CO2 photocatalytic reduction. Solar Fuel Generation is an invaluable tool for graduate students and researchers (especially chemists, physicists, and material scientists) working in this field.

Nanotechnology for Hydrogen Production and Storage: Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces presents an evaluation of the various nano-based systems for hydrogen generation and storage. With a focus on the challenges and recent developments, the book analyses nanomaterials with the potential to boost hydrogen production and improve storage. The book assesses the potential improvements to industrially important hydrogen production technologies by the way of better surface-interface control through nanostructures of strategical composites of metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, plasmonic metals, conducting polymers, carbonaceous materials and bio-interfaces with different types of algae and bacteria. The efficiency of various photochemical water splitting processes to generate renewable hydrogen energy are reviewed, with a focus on natural water splitting via photosynthesis, and the use of various metallic and non-metallic nanomaterials in anthropogenic/artificial water splitting processes is analyzed. The potential of nanomaterials in enhancing hydrogen generation in dark- and photo-fermentative organisms is also explored. Finally, the book critically evaluates various nano-based systems for hydrogen generation, as well as significant challenges and recent advances in biohydrogen research and development. Nanotechnology for Hydrogen Production and Storage is a valuable reference for student and researchers working in renewable energy and interested in the production and storage of hydrogen and may be of interest to interdisciplinary researchers in the areas of environmental engineering, materials science, and biotechnology. Synthesizes the latest advances in the field of nanoparticles for hydrogen production and storage, including new methods and industry applications Explains various methods for the design of nanomaterials for hydrogen production and storage Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of different nanomaterials and approaches Explores hydrogen production via photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and biological processes

Solar Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage: Materials, Technologies, and Applications focuses on the current state of solar energy and the recent advancements in nanomaterials for different technologies, from harnessing energy to storage. The book covers different aspects of advanced nanomaterials for solar energy, rapid developments in solar thermal and hot water systems, and PV and CSP technologies. In addition, sections cover storing harnessed solar/heat energy using different available energy storage technologies, including phase change materials (PCMs), batteries, and supercapacitors. Various applications such as agriculture and aquaculture, desalination, domestic appliances, and transport are also explored. Provides an overview of solar energy harvesting technologies, energy storage technologies, and the role of advanced nanomaterials in solar energy Explores applications of technology in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture, desalination and transport Includes discussion of current policies, strategies and socioeconomic analysis and challenges

Provides a timely overview of basic principles and significant advances of semiconductor-based photocatalysts for solar energy conversion Semiconductor Solar Photocatalysts: Fundamentals and Applications presents a systematic, in-depth summary of both fundamental and cutting-edge research in novel photocatalytic systems. Focusing on photocatalysts with vast potential for efficient utilization of solar energy, this up-to-date volume covers heterojunction systems, graphene-based photocatalysts, organic semiconductor photocatalysts, metal sulfide semiconductor photocatalysts, and graphitic carbon nitride-based photocatalysts. Organized into six chapters, the text opens with a detailed introduction to the history, design principles, modification strategies, and performance evaluation methods of solar energy photocatalysis. The remaining chapters provide detailed discussion of various novel photocatalytic systems such as direct Z-scheme and S-scheme photocatalysts, organic polymers, and covalent organic frameworks. This authoritative resource: Explains the essential concepts of solar energy photocatalysis and heterojunction systems for photocatalysis Reviews interesting structures and new applications of semiconductor photocatalysts Features contributions from an international panel of leading researchers in the field Includes extensive references and numerous tables, figures, and color illustrations Semiconductor Solar Photocatalysts: Fundamentals and Applications is valuable resource for all catalytic chemists, materials scientists, inorganic and physical chemists, chemical engineers, and physicists working in the semiconductor industry.

Sustainable Material Solutions for Solar Energy Technologies: Processing Techniques and Applications provides an overview of challenges that must be addressed to efficiently utilize solar energy. The book explores novel materials and device architectures that have been developed to optimize energy conversion efficiencies and minimize environmental impacts. Advances in technologies for harnessing solar energy are extensively discussed, with topics including materials processing, device fabrication, sustainability of materials and manufacturing, and current state-of-the-art. Leading international experts discuss the applications, challenges, and future prospects of research in this increasingly vital field, providing a valuable resource for students and researchers working in this field. Explores the fundamentals of sustainable materials for solar energy applications, with in-depth discussions of the most promising material solutions for solar energy technologies: photocatalysis, photovoltaic, hydrogen production, harvesting and storage Discusses the environmental challenges to be overcome and importance of efficient materials utilization for clean energy Looks at design materials processing and optimization of device fabrication via metrics such as power-to-weight ratio, effectiveness at EOL compared to BOL, and life-cycle analysis