Single Atom Catalysts: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Energy

Single Atom Catalysts: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Energy focuses on the synthesis, design, and advanced characterization techniques for single-atom catalyst (SAC) materials and their direct energy conversion and storage applications. This book reviews the emerging applications of SACs in fuel cells, batteries, water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen fixation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 22 January 2024
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Single Atom Catalysts: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Energy delves into the intricate realm of single-atom catalyst (SAC) materials, focusing on their synthesis, design, and advanced characterization techniques. This comprehensive book explores the diverse applications of SACs in direct energy conversion and storage, encompassing fuel cells, batteries, water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen fixation. It examines both noble metal and non-noble metal SACs, highlighting the remarkable efficiency of noble metal-based catalysts while also acknowledging the potential cost advantages of non-noble metal-based alternatives.

The central theme of this text revolves around materials design, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the overall catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability of SACs. Throughout the book, specific parameters that influence these performance characteristics are emphasized, including single-metal atom stabilization, metal–support interactions, and the coordination environment.

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to SACs, highlighting their unique properties and potential applications. It discusses the historical background, theoretical foundations, and challenges associated with developing efficient SACs. The chapter also introduces the key concepts and principles that govern the behavior of SACs, such as electronic structure, surface chemistry, and reaction mechanisms.

Chapter 2 delves into the synthesis of SACs, exploring various methods and strategies employed to create these materials. It discusses the importance of selecting appropriate precursors, controlling reaction conditions, and optimizing the catalyst's structure and composition for enhanced performance. The chapter also explores the role of post-synthetic modification techniques, such as surface engineering and doping, in improving the catalyst's properties.

Chapter 3 focuses on the design of SACs, emphasizing the importance of tailoring their structure and composition to achieve specific desired properties. It discusses the use of computational methods, such as density functional theory (DFT), to predict the catalyst's behavior and optimize its design. The chapter also explores the role of experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemistry, in characterizing and understanding the structure and properties of SACs.

Chapter 4 explores the advanced characterization techniques employed to study SACs, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy. It discusses the advantages and limitations of each technique and how they can be used to gain insights into the catalyst's electronic structure, surface chemistry, and reaction mechanisms. The chapter also highlights the importance of combining multiple characterization techniques to obtain a comprehensive understanding of SACs.

Chapter 5 discusses the applications of SACs in fuel cells, batteries, water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen fixation. It provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art research in each area, highlighting the key challenges and opportunities for SACs. The chapter also discusses the potential of SACs in addressing global energy and environmental challenges, such as sustainable fuel production, energy storage, and pollution reduction.

Chapter 6 concludes the book by summarizing the key findings and highlighting the future directions for SACs research. It discusses the potential for SACs to revolutionize the field of catalysis and energy conversion, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed to realize their full potential. The chapter also provides recommendations for future research and development in SACs, including the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced experimental techniques, and economic analysis.

In conclusion, Single Atom Catalysts: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Energy is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the world of single-atom catalysts. It provides a detailed understanding of SACs' synthesis, design, and advanced characterization techniques, as well as their diverse applications in direct energy conversion and storage. The book emphasizes the importance of materials design in improving the performance of SACs, with a focus on enhancing their catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. By exploring both noble metal and non-noble metal SACs, the book offers valuable insights into the potential of these materials in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. This text is a must-read for researchers, scientists, and engineers interested in advancing the field of catalysis and energy conversion.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323952378