Advances in Sol-Gel Derived Materials and Technologies – serie

Readers will find an exhaustive overview of all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and most recent advances towards applications and commercial products, some of which are commercially available today.

Sol-Gel Processing for Conventional and Alternative Energy is a comprehensive source of information on the use of sol-gel processing in materials in energy systems, conversion, storage, and generation. The volume editors include numerous applications, primarily in nuclear fuel processing, electrolytes for fuel cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In addition to examining contemporary processing, properties, and industrial applications, "Sol-Gel Processing for Conventional and Alternative Energy" identifies materials challenges presented by conventional and alternative energy generation that require new materials and innovative processing. Each chapter is written by an internationally respected researcher. The book provides a state-of-the-art treatment of different aspects of materials for energy production, with a focus on processing, and covers related topics such as carbon sequestration, clean energy, and biofuels.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of nanocomposite materials obtained by the sol-gel method, from synthesis to applications and including design tools for combining different properties. Sol-gel nanocomposites are of great interest in meeting processing and application requirements for the development of multifunctional materials. These materials are already commercialized for a number of applications from scratch-resistant and anti-adhesive coatings to optical materials with active and passive properties. Biomedical applications, holographic recordings, fuel cells and hydrogen storage, resists and catalysts are among the potential uses. The novel mechanical, optical and electronic properties of nanocomposite materials depend not only on the individual component materials, but also on their morphology and nanoscale interfacial characteristics. Sol-gel is a highly versatile method for obtaining both the matrix and the filler of the nanocomposite and for chemically adjusting the interface to optimize structure and properties. Although nanocomposites are widely discussed in the literature, the focus has been mainly on polymer nanocomposites. This book addresses nanocomposites based on inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic matrices, with an emphasis on the scientific principles which are the basis for nanocomposite sol-gel synthesis and applications. A didactic approach is followed, with different topics developed from a fundamental point of view together with key examples and case studies.First comprehensive treatment of nanocomposites obtained by sol-gel methodsFocuses on nanocomposites with inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic matricesDescribes design tools to optimize structure and properties for various applicationsCovers synthesis, processing, characterization, and modelingUses first principles to describe the influence of interfacial characteristics on materials propertiesPresents case studies for both films and bulk applicationsProvides examples of products on the market, with descriptions of the scientific principles at the base of their successIncludes contributions from recognized leaders in this multidisciplinary area.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of nanocomposite materials obtained by the sol-gel method, from synthesis to applications and including design tools for combining different properties. Sol-gel nanocomposites are of great interest in meeting processing and application requirements for the development of multifunctional materials. These materials are already commercialized for a number of applications from scratch-resistant and anti-adhesive coatings to optical materials with active and passive properties. Biomedical applications, holographic recordings, fuel cells and hydrogen storage, resists and catalysts are among the potential uses. The novel mechanical, optical and electronic properties of nanocomposite materials depend not only on the individual component materials, but also on their morphology and nanoscale interfacial characteristics. Sol-gel is a highly versatile method for obtaining both the matrix and the filler of the nanocomposite and for chemically adjusting the interface to optimize structure and properties. Although nanocomposites are widely discussed in the literature, the focus has been mainly on polymer nanocomposites. This book addresses nanocomposites based on inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic matrices, with an emphasis on the scientific principles which are the basis for nanocomposite sol-gel synthesis and applications. A didactic approach is followed, with different topics developed from a fundamental point of view together with key examples and case studies.First comprehensive treatment of nanocomposites obtained by sol-gel methodsFocuses on nanocomposites with inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic matricesDescribes design tools to optimize structure and properties for various applicationsCovers synthesis, processing, characterization, and modelingUses first principles to describe the influence of interfacial characteristics on materials propertiesPresents case studies for both films and bulk applicationsProvides examples of products on the market, with descriptions of the scientific principles at the base of their successIncludes contributions from recognized leaders in this multidisciplinary area.

Readers will find an exhaustive overview of all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and most recent advances towards applications and commercial products, some of which are commercially available today.

Sol-Gel Processing for Conventional and Alternative Energy is a comprehensive source of information on the use of sol-gel processing in materials in energy systems, conversion, storage, and generation.

This expert volume provides specialized coverage of the current state of the art in carbon gels. Carbon gels represent a promising class of materials with high added value applications and many assets, like the ability to accurately tailor their structure, porosity, and surface composition and easily dope them with numerous species. The ability to obtain them in custom shapes, such as powder, beads, monoliths, or impregnated scaffolds opens the way towards numerous applications, including catalysis, adsorption, and electrochemical energy storage, among others. Nevertheless, it remains a crucial question as to which design synthesis and manufacturing processes are viable from an economic and environmental point of view. The book represents the perspectives of renowned specialists in the field, specially invited to conduct a one-day workshop devoted to carbon gels as part of the 19th International Sol-Gel Conference, SOL-GEL 2017, held on September 3rd, 2017 in Liège, Belgium.Addressing properties and synthesis through applications and industry outlook, this book represents essential reading for advanced graduate students through practicing researchers interested in these exciting materials.

This book introduces the fascinating world of self-assembly in mesoporous ordered silica films. Beginning from a single droplet, it guides the reader, in a step-by-step learning process, how to obtain and control ordered porous mesophases in thin films by varying only the precursor chemistry and the process.

This book introduces the fascinating world of self-assembly in mesoporous ordered silica films. Beginning from a single droplet, it guides the reader, in a step-by-step learning process, how to obtain and control ordered porous mesophases in thin films by varying only the precursor chemistry and the process.

This volume provides expert coverage of the state-of-the-art in sol-gel materials for functional applications in energy, environment and electronics. The use of sol-gel technology has become a hotbed for cutting edge developments in many fields due to the accessibility of advanced materials through low energy processes. The book offers a broad view of this growing research area from basic science through high-level applications with the potential for commercialization and industrial use. Taking an integrated approach, expert chapters present a wide range of topics, from photocatalysts, solar cells and optics, to thin films and materials for energy storage and conversion, demonstrating the combined use of chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering in the search for solutions to some of the most challenging problems of our time.