Materials for Energy Applications (EBT 428/3)

A modern introduction to the subject taking a unique integrated approach designed to appeal to both science and engineering students. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, this book includes numerous up-to-date examples of real materials with relevant applications and a modern treatment of key concepts. The science bias allows this book to be equally accessible to engineers, chemists and physicists. ∗ Carefully structured into self-contained bite-sized chapters to enhance student understanding ∗ Questions have been designed to reinforce the concepts presented ∗ Includes coverage of radioactivity ∗ Relects a rapidly growing field from the science perspective

As supplies of fossil fuels decrease and atmospheric pollution worsens, new sources of sustainable energy are being developed. Materials for energy conversion devices summarises key research on new materials that can be used to generate clean and renewable energy or to help manage problems from existing energy sources. The book discusses a range of materials that can be used to harness and convert solar energy, and explores the properties of oxide materials and their uses in producing hydrogen fuel. It also covers thermoelectric materials and devices for power generation, ionic conductors and new types of fuel cells. Chapters review 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 will be a standard reference for all those researching and developing a new generation of materials and technologies for our energy needs. Book jacket.

The goal of this book is to introduce energy conversion phenomena and materials at multiple levels. With limiting amount of fossil fuels and increasing demand of energy, we are facing the grand challenge of energy sustainability. Energy saving strategies may help to extend the usage of hydrocarbon fossil fuel, but can not solve the problem completely. Renewable energy seems to be the only solution. All the renewable energy sources, solar energy, wind energy, biomass rely on effective energy conversion materials and systems to benefit human beings. Various energy conversion materials and systems including photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and wind turbines have been developed for generating electricity from renewable energy sources such as sunlight and wind. High energy conversion efficiencies are critical for large scale applications of these systems. To understand the fundamentals of energy conversion mechanisms is the very first step. Materials have taken indispensable roles in energy conversions. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce the latest research progress on energy conversion materials to readers at various levels. The content of the book deals with various materials and processing techniques for energy conversions. A comprehensive state-of-the-art review on nanomaterials, related processing technologies and applications will be provided. Considerable effort has been made to elaborate the technological aspect of energy conversion materials, processing and manufacturing these materials.

There are thousands of products available for use in interior environments, every one with its assets and disadvantages. The process of selecting the right interior material for the job can be bewildering and--occasionally--perilous. This book is a guide to knowing, evaluating, and selecting materials that will look good, work well, and respect human and environmental needs. Organized by types of materials, and applications this guide helps designers successfully address material evaluation and selection of interior components. Technical information for each material is presented in a concise reference format to aid designers in their design solutions. Covering all aspects of interior design materials, this book includes: ∗ Health and Safety Codes ∗ Human Factors and Material Selection ∗ Economic Criteria ∗ Environmental Criteria ∗ Finishes for Walls, Windows, Ceilings, Flooring, and Millwork and Furniture Materials ∗ Practical estimating and installation tools, industry standards, testing and code requirements, and written specification guides for each application. Engagingly written, highly detailed, and helpfully illustrated with more than 550 color illustrations, Materials for Interior Environments is a comprehensive guide to everything a designer needs to know about the materials available for interiors--from aesthetic qualities to manufacturing and fabrication, applications, installation and maintenance, and specifications for materials used in commercial and residential applications.

Intensive research is being devoted to improving performance and reducing failure rates of compact yet powerful batteries. Materials Engineering for High Density Energy Storage provides first-hand knowledge about the design of safe and powerful batteries and the methods and approaches for enhancing the performance of next-generation batteries. The book explores how the innovative approaches currently employed, including thin films, nanoparticles and nanocomposites, are paving new ways to performance improvement. The topic's tremendous application potential will appeal to a broad audience, including materials scientists, physicists, electrochemists, libraries, and graduate students.