Synthesis Lectures on Green Energy and Technology – serie

This book offers an in-depth exploration of battery separators, a critical component in Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Serving as insulators between electrodes to prevent internal short circuits, these separators play a crucial role in retaining liquid electrolyte and facilitating the migration of lithium ions during battery cycling. In the face of increasing demand for high-performance LIBs across diverse applications, the development of superior separators is imperative. Among the various advancements in battery separator research, electrospun nanofibrous separators have gained significant attention. These separators exhibit compelling characteristics, including large pore size (typically above 500 nm), high porosity (typically above 70%), and an interconnected porous structure, all of which enhance ion transportation efficiency and battery cycling performance. However, a notable focus in previous studies has been on electrochemical inert materials as battery separators, which do not contribute to the battery's capacity. This book presents a comprehensive study that introduces a novel concept: the development of a redox-active separator based on electrospun polypyrrole (PPy) composite nanofibers to significantly enhance battery capacity. The book begins by exploring the effects of separators on battery performance, providing valuable insights and guidance for separator design. Then, a detailed investigation into the kinetics of in-situ polymerization of PPy with electrospun fibrous membranes as templates follows, shedding light on the mechanisms behind fabricating the proposed separator. Finally, this book presents the fabrication and characterization of the proposed separator, showcasing potential of the separator for enhancing battery capacity. This book is intended for researchers, engineers, and professionals in the field of battery technology, materials science, and electrochemistry. It is also a valuable resource for graduate students and academics seeking advanced insights into the development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries and innovative separator technologies.

This book provides insights into the wetting behavior on fiber-dressed surfaces and guidelines for developing superhydrophobicity based on electrospinning. In developing superhydrophobicity, electrospinning possesses the following advantages over other fabrication techniques. First, the electrospun micro- and nanofibers, which may also featured with secondary fiber morphology, provide sufficient surface roughness for superhydrophobicity. Second, electrospinning is considered an additive manufacturing technique, so the surfaces to be modified are not destroyed for superhydrophobicity. Third, the introduced electrospun structure is featured with high porosity with inter-fiber pores, allowing for a high vapor transmission rate, which is necessary in many applications such as wound dressing, gas sensor.However, books focused on developing superhydrophobicity using electrospinning are rarely found. Electrospinning is only introduced as one section in most superhydrophobicity-related books, and the mechanism of superhydrophobicity by different electrospinning-based methods lacks detailed explanation.

This book provides insights into the wetting behavior on fiber-dressed surfaces and guidelines for developing superhydrophobicity based on electrospinning. In developing superhydrophobicity, electrospinning possesses the following advantages over other fabrication techniques. First, the electrospun micro- and nanofibers, which may also featured with secondary fiber morphology, provide sufficient surface roughness for superhydrophobicity. Second, electrospinning is considered an additive manufacturing technique, so the surfaces to be modified are not destroyed for superhydrophobicity. Third, the introduced electrospun structure is featured with high porosity with inter-fiber pores, allowing for a high vapor transmission rate, which is necessary in many applications such as wound dressing, gas sensor.However, books focused on developing superhydrophobicity using electrospinning are rarely found. Electrospinning is only introduced as one section in most superhydrophobicity-related books, and the mechanism of superhydrophobicity by different electrospinning-based methods lacks detailed explanation.

The book explores the synthesis methods and device applications of graphene derivatives and quantum dots. The book offers a detailed overview of the synthesis techniques used for these advanced nanomaterials, including solution-phase synthesis, and surface functionalization. It delves into the unique properties and characteristics of graphene derivatives and quantum dots, highlighting their potential for revolutionizing electronic devices. The book also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with their synthesis and device integration, providing valuable insights for researchers and professionals in the field. Written by experts in the field, this book serves as a valuable resource for scientists, engineers, and students interested in exploring the vast potential of graphene derivatives and quantum dots in the development of innovative devices with enhanced performance and functionality.

The book explores the synthesis methods and device applications of graphene derivatives and quantum dots. The book offers a detailed overview of the synthesis techniques used for these advanced nanomaterials, including solution-phase synthesis, and surface functionalization. It delves into the unique properties and characteristics of graphene derivatives and quantum dots, highlighting their potential for revolutionizing electronic devices. The book also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with their synthesis and device integration, providing valuable insights for researchers and professionals in the field. Written by experts in the field, this book serves as a valuable resource for scientists, engineers, and students interested in exploring the vast potential of graphene derivatives and quantum dots in the development of innovative devices with enhanced performance and functionality.

The target audience of this is senior undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and engineering practitioners who are about to enter or entering the fields of nanofiber, nanofiber materials, electrospinning, and the like. This book is expected to prepare the readers, rather than providing the details of any specifics. This type of book is necessary because many researchers in training need basics to jump start the projects related to the research topics above. They also need to understand the potential applications to be direct their research. However, this type of book is missing, regardless of many handbooks or books focused on a specific field. The first half of the book introduces the basics of electrospinning and nanofiber technologies, leading the readers into the field step by step. It is expected to set a solid foundation for researchers in training (e.g. graduate students) before the jump into the particular research project (e.g. PhD thesis project). The contents are ordered such way that junior researchers normally follow. This book can also be used as a general reference book for those who are interested in the subjects. Each chapter is written as independent as possible, with references listed at the end of the chapter. Readers who can dig deep into the field after reading the chapters and the references listed.

The target audience of this is senior undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and engineering practitioners who are about to enter or entering the fields of nanofiber, nanofiber materials, electrospinning, and the like. This book is expected to prepare the readers, rather than providing the details of any specifics. This type of book is necessary because many researchers in training need basics to jump start the projects related to the research topics above. They also need to understand the potential applications to be direct their research. However, this type of book is missing, regardless of many handbooks or books focused on a specific field. The first half of the book introduces the basics of electrospinning and nanofiber technologies, leading the readers into the field step by step. It is expected to set a solid foundation for researchers in training (e.g. graduate students) before the jump into the particular research project (e.g. PhD thesis project). The contents are ordered such way that junior researchers normally follow. This book can also be used as a general reference book for those who are interested in the subjects. Each chapter is written as independent as possible, with references listed at the end of the chapter. Readers who can dig deep into the field after reading the chapters and the references listed.

The primary focus of the topic is on the production of energy. Here, energy production typically refers to the conversion of waste algal biomass into various forms of usable energy. This could include electricity, biofuels (e.g., biodiesel, bioethanol), biogas, or other forms of renewable energy. Conversion of algal biomass to fuels via extraction of lipids (and potentially other components), through 'algal lipid upgrading' or ALU pathway, combined algal process (CAP) and parallel algal process (PAP). ALU approach based on a biochemical processing strategy to selectively recover and convert select algal biomass components to fuels, namely carbohydrates to ethanol and lipids to a renewable diesel blendstock (RDB) product. The scope of the topic encompasses the various methods and technologies used to convert waste algal biomass into energy. This could involve processes like anaerobic digestion, fermentation, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, or other innovative techniques. The topic may touch upon ongoing research, technological advancements, and potential areas of improvement related to waste algal biomass-based energy production.

The primary focus of the topic is on the production of energy. Here, energy production typically refers to the conversion of waste algal biomass into various forms of usable energy. This could include electricity, biofuels (e.g., biodiesel, bioethanol), biogas, or other forms of renewable energy. Conversion of algal biomass to fuels via extraction of lipids (and potentially other components), through 'algal lipid upgrading' or ALU pathway, combined algal process (CAP) and parallel algal process (PAP). ALU approach based on a biochemical processing strategy to selectively recover and convert select algal biomass components to fuels, namely carbohydrates to ethanol and lipids to a renewable diesel blendstock (RDB) product. The scope of the topic encompasses the various methods and technologies used to convert waste algal biomass into energy. This could involve processes like anaerobic digestion, fermentation, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, or other innovative techniques. The topic may touch upon ongoing research, technological advancements, and potential areas of improvement related to waste algal biomass-based energy production.

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into high-value multi-carbon products represents a crucial pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable chemical production. The transition from lab-scale studies to industrial-scale implementation is imperative to bridge the gap between fundamental mechanistic insights and practical applications. This book explores the mechanistic understanding and functional design of electrocatalysts for CO₂ electroreduction, focusing on bridging the gap between lab-scale research and industrial-scale implementation. It systematically investigates the role of grain boundary structures, oxidation states, and interfacial microenvironments in stabilizing Cu-based catalysts, thereby enhancing the selective production of multi-carbon products. By integrating oxidation and alloying strategies, this work introduces new approaches to modulate copper oxidation states, leading to improved catalytic performance. Advanced characterization techniques, including in situ multimodal spectroscopy, provide insights into the electrochemical stability of Cuδ⁺ species and their impact on reaction pathways.Beyond catalyst design, this book extends the discussion to CO₂ electrolyzer configurations, emphasizing membrane electrode assemblies and gas diffusion electrode engineering for scalable applications. The introduction of functionalized carbon black to modulate the interfacial environment, effectively suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction, stabilizing active Cuδ⁺ species and promoting ethylene production with high Faradaic efficiency. By integrating fundamental insights with industrial feasibility, this book offers a comprehensive guide for researchers and engineers developing next-generation CO₂ electrolysis technologies, contributing to carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions.

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into high-value multi-carbon products represents a crucial pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable chemical production. The transition from lab-scale studies to industrial-scale implementation is imperative to bridge the gap between fundamental mechanistic insights and practical applications. This book explores the mechanistic understanding and functional design of electrocatalysts for CO₂ electroreduction, focusing on bridging the gap between lab-scale research and industrial-scale implementation. It systematically investigates the role of grain boundary structures, oxidation states, and interfacial microenvironments in stabilizing Cu-based catalysts, thereby enhancing the selective production of multi-carbon products. By integrating oxidation and alloying strategies, this work introduces new approaches to modulate copper oxidation states, leading to improved catalytic performance. Advanced characterization techniques, including in situ multimodal spectroscopy, provide insights into the electrochemical stability of Cuδ⁺ species and their impact on reaction pathways.Beyond catalyst design, this book extends the discussion to CO₂ electrolyzer configurations, emphasizing membrane electrode assemblies and gas diffusion electrode engineering for scalable applications. The introduction of functionalized carbon black to modulate the interfacial environment, effectively suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction, stabilizing active Cuδ⁺ species and promoting ethylene production with high Faradaic efficiency. By integrating fundamental insights with industrial feasibility, this book offers a comprehensive guide for researchers and engineers developing next-generation CO₂ electrolysis technologies, contributing to carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions.