In this book, expert authors describe advanced solar photon conversion approaches that promise highly efficient photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical cells with sophisticated architectures on the one hand, and plastic photovoltaic coatings that are inexpensive enough to be disposable on the other. Their leitmotifs include light-induced exciton generation, junction architectures that lead to efficient exciton dissociation, and charge collection by percolation through mesoscale phases. Photocatalysis is closely related to photoelectrochemistry, and the fundamentals of both disciplines are covered in this volume.
The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) is a photovoltaic converter that mimics natural photosynthesis. Like green plants and algae it uses a molecular absorber, the dye, to harvest sunlight and generate electric charges. Dye-sensitized solar cells are poised to replace existing technologies in «low density» solar-energy applications, especially in contexts where mechanical robustness and light weight is required. This book offers the first comprehensive look at this promising technology and aims to provide a graduate level text that brings together the fundamentals of DSC from three perspectives (materials, performance, and mechanistic aspects), as well as to serve as an advanced monograph that summarizes the key advances and lists the technical challenges remaining to be solved.
Offers an Interdisciplinary approach to the engineering of functional materials for efficient solar cell technology Written by a collection of experts in the field of solar cell technology, this book focuses on the engineering of a variety of functional materials for improving photoanode efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The first two chapters describe operation principles of DSSC, charge transfer dynamics, as well as challenges and solutions for improving DSSCs. The remaining chapters focus on interfacial engineering of functional materials at the photoanode surface to create greater output efficiency. Interfacial Engineering in Functional Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells begins by introducing readers to the history, configuration, components, and working principles of DSSC It then goes on to cover both nanoarchitectures and light scattering materials as photoanode. Function of compact (blocking) layer in the photoanode and of TiCl4 post-treatment in the photoanode are examined at next. Next two chapters look at photoanode function of doped semiconductors and binary semiconductor metal oxides. Other chapters consider nanocomposites, namely, plasmonic nanocomposites, carbon nanotube based nanocomposites, graphene based nanocomposites, and graphite carbon nitride based nanocompositesas photoanodes. The book: Provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals through the applications of DSSC Encompasses topics on various functional materials for DSSC technology Focuses on the novel design and application of materials in DSSC, to develop more efficient renewable energy sources Is useful for material scientists, engineers, physicists, and chemists interested in functional materials for the design of efficient solar cells Interfacial Engineering in Functional Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells will be of great benefit to graduate students, researchers and engineers, who work in the multi-disciplinary areas of material science, engineering, physics, and chemistry.
The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students.
The handbook comprehensively covers the field of inorganic photochemistry from the fundamentals to the main applications. The first section of the book describes the historical development of inorganic photochemistry, along with the fundamentals related to this multidisciplinary scientific field. The main experimental techniques employed in state-of-art studies are described in detail in the second section followed by a third section including theoretical investigations in the field. In the next three sections, the photophysical and photochemical properties of coordination compounds, supramolecular systems and inorganic semiconductors are summarized by experts on these materials. Finally, the application of photoactive inorganic compounds in key sectors of our society is highlighted. The sections cover applications in bioimaging and sensing, drug delivery and cancer therapy, solar energy conversion to electricity and fuels, organic synthesis, environmental remediation and optoelectronics among others. The chapters provide a concise overview of the main achievements in the recent years and highlight the challenges for future research. This handbook offers a unique compilation for practitioners of inorganic photochemistry in both industry and academia.
The current state and perspectives in natural and life sciences are strongly linked to the development of novel complex organic-inorganic materials at various levels of organization, including semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and QD-based nanostructures with unique optical and physico-chemical properties. This book provides a comprehensive description of the morphology and main physico-chemical properties of self-assembled inorganic-dye nanostructures as well as some applications in the field of nanotechnology. It crosses disciplines to examine essential nanoassembly principles of QD interaction with organic molecules, excited state dynamics in nanoobjects, theoretical models, and methodologies. Based on ensemble and single-nanoobject detection, the book quantitatively shows (for the first time on a series of nanoassemblies) that surface-mediated processes (formation of trap states) dictate the probability of several of the most interesting and potentially useful photophysical phenomena (FRET- or non-FRET-induced quenching of QD photoluminescence) observed for colloidal QDs and QD–dye nanoassemblies. Further, nanostructures can be generated by nanolithography and thereafter selectively decorated with dye molecules. A similar approach applies to natural nanosized surface heterogeneities.
Comprehensive Nanoscience and Technology, Second Edition, Five Volume Set allows researchers to navigate a very diverse, interdisciplinary and rapidly-changing field with up-to-date, comprehensive and authoritative coverage of every aspect of modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. Presents new chapters on the latest developments in the field Covers topics not discussed to this degree of detail in other works, such as biological devices and applications of nanotechnology Compiled and written by top international authorities in the field
Nanostructured Semiconductor Oxides for the Next Generation of Electronics and Functional Devices focuses on the development of semiconductor nanocrystals, their technologies and applications, including energy harvesting, solar cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and chemical sensors. Semiconductor oxides are used in electronics, optics, catalysts, sensors, and other functional devices. In their 2D form, the reduction in size confers exceptional properties, useful for creating faster electronics and more efficient catalysts. After explaining the physics affecting the conductivity and electron arrangement of nanostructured semiconductors, the book addresses the structural and chemical modification of semiconductor nanocrystals during material growth. It then covers their use in nanoscale functional devices, particularly in electronic devices and carbon nanotubes. It explores the impact of 2D nanocrystals, such as graphene, chalcogenides, and oxide nanostructures, on research and technology, leading to a discussion of incorporating graphene and semiconductor nanostructures into composites for use in energy storage. The final three chapters focus on the applications of these functional materials in photovoltaic cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and in environmental sensors including pH, dissolved oxygen, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved metal ion sensors. Nanostructured Semiconductor Oxides for the Next Generation of Electronics and Functional Devices is a crucial resource for scientists, applied researchers, and production engineers working in the fabrication, design, testing, characterization, and analysis of new semiconductor materials. This book is a valuable reference for those working in the analysis and characterization of new nanomaterials, and for those who develop technologies for practical devices fabrication. - Focuses on the development of semiconductor nanocrystals, their technologies and applications, including energy harvesting, solar cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and chemical sensors - Reviews fundamental physics of conductivity and electron arrangement before proceeding to practical applications - A vital resource for applied researchers and production engineers working with new semiconductor materials
Encyclopedia of Interfacial Chemistry: Surface Science and Electrochemistry, Seven Volume Set summarizes current, fundamental knowledge of interfacial chemistry, bringing readers the latest developments in the field. As the chemical and physical properties and processes at solid and liquid interfaces are the scientific basis of so many technologies which enhance our lives and create new opportunities, its important to highlight how these technologies enable the design and optimization of functional materials for heterogeneous and electro-catalysts in food production, pollution control, energy conversion and storage, medical applications requiring biocompatibility, drug delivery, and more. This book provides an interdisciplinary view that lies at the intersection of these fields. Presents fundamental knowledge of interfacial chemistry, surface science and electrochemistry and provides cutting-edge research from academics and practitioners across various fields and global regions
