Advances in Metal Oxides and Their Composites for Emerging Applications

Advancements in Metal Oxides and their Composites for Emerging Applications is a comprehensive resource that highlights the key properties and performance of metal-oxide-based composites in various applications,including solar energy harvesting,energy storage,and environmental remediation. It emphasizes synthetic protocols and emerging technologies to address global challenges such as energy shortage and environmental contamination.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 515 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Here is the rephrased text:

Advances in Metal Oxides and their Composites for Emerging Applications delves into the comprehensive examination of metal-oxide-based composites, encompassing their intricate structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical, and performance characteristics across a diverse array of applications. The focus is particularly directed towards the utilization of synthetic protocols to engineer metal oxides with tailored morphologies, properties, and superior performance for solar energy harvesting, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Additionally, emerging technologies that address pressing global challenges such as energy scarcity, the detrimental impact of non-renewable energy sources, the unaffordability of energy technologies, and the presence of contaminants in air and water are explored in depth. This book serves as an invaluable resource for materials scientists and engineers engaged in academic and research endeavors, as well as for seasoned researchers and practitioners seeking a comprehensive and up-to-date reference on the latest advancements in the field.

Introduction:
Metal oxides and their composites have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their remarkable properties and diverse applications. These materials, derived from elemental metals and oxygen, possess a wide range of structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical, and performance characteristics that make them suitable for a wide range of industries, including electronics, energy, and environmental remediation. In this book, we will explore the latest advances in metal oxides and their composites, focusing on their structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical, and performance properties.
Structural Properties:
Metal oxides exhibit a wide range of structural properties, including crystalline, amorphous, and nanostructured forms. The choice of structural form can significantly impact the properties and performance of the composite material. Crystalline metal oxides, such as TiO2 and ZnO, have well-defined structures and high melting points, making them suitable for applications in solar energy harvesting, energy storage, and catalysis. Amorphous metal oxides, such as SiO2 and Al2O3, on the other hand, have lower melting points and can be used in electronic devices, coatings, and sensors. Nanostructured metal oxides, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, have unique properties, such as high surface area, conductivity, and strength, making them ideal for applications in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing.
Physicochemical Properties:
Metal oxides have a rich physicochemical properties, including their chemical composition, phase stability, surface properties, and thermal properties. The chemical composition of metal oxides can vary depending on the metal and oxygen content, as well as the presence of other elements. For example, TiO2 has a composition of TiO2, while ZnO has a composition of ZnO. The phase stability of metal oxides can be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities. For example, TiO2 can exist in different phases, including anatase, rutile, and brookite, depending on the conditions. The surface properties of metal oxides can be tailored by modifying their chemical composition, surface chemistry, and surface morphology. For example, TiO2 can be modified to have hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties, making it suitable for applications in water purification and oil-spill remediation. The thermal properties of metal oxides can be used in energy storage and conversion applications, such as thermoelectric devices and solar cells.
Optical Properties:
Metal oxides have unique optical properties, including their absorption, reflection, and transmission properties. These properties can be tailored by modifying the chemical composition, surface chemistry, and surface morphology of the metal oxide. For example, TiO2 can be modified to have a wide absorption spectrum, making it suitable for applications in solar energy harvesting and photocatalysis. ZnO can be modified to have a narrow bandgap, making it suitable for applications in blue light-emitting diodes and sensors.
Electrical Properties:
Metal oxides have unique electrical properties, including their conductivity, resistivity, and electromechanical properties. These properties can be tailored by modifying the chemical composition, surface chemistry, and surface morphology of the metal oxide. For example, TiO2 can be modified to have high conductivity, making it suitable for applications in electronic devices and energy storage. ZnO can be modified to have high resistivity, making it suitable for applications in sensors and energy-harvesting devices.
Performance in Emerging Applications:
Metal oxides and their composites have found applications in a wide range of emerging applications, including solar energy harvesting, energy storage, environmental remediation, and electronic devices. In solar energy harvesting, metal oxides are used as photocatalysts to convert solar energy into electricity. For example, TiO2 is used in solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, while ZnO is used in thin-film solar cells to enhance their efficiency. In energy storage, metal oxides are used as electrodes in batteries and supercapacitors. For example, LiCoO2 is used in lithium-ion batteries, while ZnO is used in supercapacitors to store energy. In environmental remediation, metal oxides are used as adsorbents to remove pollutants from air and water. For example, TiO2 is used in water purification, while ZnO is used in soil remediation. In electronic devices, metal oxides are used as dielectrics, resistors, and conductors. For example, SiO2 is used in electronic devices as a dielectric, while Al2O3 is used in electronic devices as a resistor.
Synthetic Protocols:
Synthetic protocols are used to create metal oxides with desirable morphologies, properties, and performance for applications in solar energy harvesting, energy storage, and environmental remediation. These protocols involve the use of various techniques, such as sol-gel synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, and spray pyrolysis. Sol-gel synthesis is a widely used technique for the preparation of metal oxides, where metal precursors are mixed with a sol-gel precursor to form a gel. The gel is then heated to form a solid material, which is then characterized by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Hydrothermal synthesis is a technique used to prepare metal oxides in a hot and humid environment. In this technique, metal precursors are mixed with a hot and humid solution, and the reaction is carried out at high temperatures and pressures. The resulting material is then characterized by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Spray pyrolysis is a technique used to prepare metal oxides in a low-pressure and high-temperature environment. In this technique, metal precursors are sprayed into a hot gas stream, and the reaction is carried out at high temperatures and pressures. The resulting material is then characterized by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
Emerging Technologies:
Emerging technologies that address important global challenges such as energy shortage, the hazardous effects of non-renewable energy sources, the unaffordable energy technologies, and the contaminants present in air and water are also covered in this book. These technologies include renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy, as well as energy storage technologies, such as batteries and supercapacitors. Additionally, emerging technologies that address the harmful effects of non-renewable energy sources, such as carbon capture and storage, and the treatment of contaminants in air and water, such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, are also covered.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the latest advances in metal oxides and their composites for emerging applications. It covers the structural, physicochemical, optical, electrical, and performance properties of metal oxides, as well as the emerging technologies that address important global challenges. This book is an ideal resource for materials scientists and engineers working in academia and R&D, as well as for those who either need an introduction to potential research directions or for experienced researchers and practitioners looking for a key reference on the latest advances.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323857055