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2017 | Book

Sol-Gel Materials for Energy, Environment and Electronic Applications

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About this book

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.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. An Introduction to Sol-Gel Processing for Aerogels
Abstract
Sol-gel processing facilitates effortless control of the composition, properties, and architecture of nanosystems. For this reason, the technology has been adapted as a popular route for the preparation of nanostructures. The process supports the preparation of intricate three-dimensional networks extended throughout a liquid phase (a gel) through the agglomeration of nanoparticles dispersed within a colloidal suspension (sol). In order to gain a greater understanding of the process before exploring the possible applications of the technology, this chapter outlines the activities involved in sol-gel processing. The formation of sol-gel materials is explained by briefly focusing on the mechanisms of hydrolysis and condensation, in addition to ageing and drying of wet gels. Sol-gel processing can be used to form a range of architectures from fibres and films to fine powders and monoliths, however this chapter will focus on sol-gel processing for aerogels specifically.
Saoirse Dervin, Suresh C. Pillai
Chapter 2. Sol-Gel Materials for Varistor Devices
Abstract
The present chapter deals with a systematic report on ‘sol-gel ZnO varistors’, an area which needs to be much explored in terms of the applications it holds. The book chapter starts with a brief introduction on varistors. Subsequently, a detailed description on the so far adopted conventional preparation methods and chemical synthesis strategies for varistors are presented. Among the many chemical methods, the advantages of employing a sol-gel method for varistor technology are discussed in detail in later sections. A detailed literature survey on the preparation, properties and advantages of sol-gel derived ZnO varistors is provided. The main focus of the study is to highlight the importance of nanoinclusions for high-performance varistors in terms of controlled grain size, improved grain boundary area and homogeneous dopant distribution at the grain boundaries. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the recent research interests on the sol-gel ceramic–polymer varistors and studies on varistor-epoxy, ZnO-PANI, ZnO-PANI-PVA, GaAs-PANI-PE, Si–Polymer varistor composites.
S. Anas, K. V. Mahesh, M. Jeen Maria, S. Ananthakumar
Chapter 3. Sol-Gel Derived Functional Coatings for Optics
Abstract
This chapter gives a focus on recent achievements on sol-gel functional optical coatings and, in particular, those dealing with reflection and antireflection phenomena, such as photonic crystals and antireflective coatings. In the first part, a historical overview will highlight the key role of optical applications in the evolution and development of sol-gel science and technology. Then some general chemical strategies to modulate the optical properties of sol-gel coatings will be described together with a critical analysis of various liquid deposition techniques. In the second part, recent examples of functional (and multifunctional) antireflective coatings and photonic crystals will be highlighted.
Guillaume Naudin, Davide R. Ceratti, Marco Faustini
Chapter 4. The Multiple Roles of Diatoms in Environmental Applications: Prospects for Sol-Gel Modified Diatoms
Abstract
Diatoms, unicellular microalgae, have a characteristic ornate siliceous cell wall, referred to as the frustule. The elaborate architecture of the frustule, at both the nano- and micro-scale, lends these structures to proposed applications in catalysis, separation science, filtration and emerging nanotechnologies. In addition, the living diatom is a known indicator of water quality, due to the fact that both the cell morphology and cell physiology are sensitive to the presence of pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, polymers and personal care products. The potential of diatoms to bioaccumulate, biotransform or biodegrade compounds of concern including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals, endocrine disrupting chemicals, phthalates and metal nanoparticles has been documented. Sol-gel modification of either the living diatom or harvested frustule enables the design of diatoms for bioremediation of these priority substances from the environment. Furthermore, diatoms can be prodigious producers of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that may find a role in decontamination of pollutants through the formation gel-like networks that sequester pollutants.
Yvonne Lang, Francisco del Monte, Peter Dockery
Chapter 5. Sol-Gel Sensors
Abstract
The use of sol-gel chemistry has afforded the development of a diverse range of chemical sensors, due to the ease with which the process can be modified to tailor properties of the material such as porosity and hydrophobicity. Furthermore, sol-gel films can be deposited on a variety of substrates, thus allowing flexibility in sensor configuration. This chapter will provide an overview of the latest developments in sol-gel-based sensors. Applications reviewed include sensors for determination of gases, humidity, pH, ionic species, forensic analysis and biosensing.
Aine M. Whelan
Chapter 6. Sol-Gel Processed Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Abstract
In recent years, cathode materials prepared through sol-gel method exhibited improved electrochemical performance in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Undoubtedly, this promising low-temperature synthetic method for high surface area materials offers homogeneity, and particle size control for achieving desired physical and chemical properties. In addition, several modifications of the sol-gel method using chelating and polymerizing agents enabled further control of cathode material porosity and morphology. Moreover, major drawbacks of current generation Li-ion battery cathodes such as transition metal ion leaching, low electronic conductivity, etc. were efficiently mitigated by sol-gel synthesis of doped cathodes, their composite formation with metal nanoparticles/fast Li-ion conductor, and uniform carbon/metal oxide coating. Commercialization of several Li-ion battery cathodes is also enabled by modified sol-gel methods that allow scalable material synthesis. In summary, tailored synthesis of a wide range of cathode materials through sol-gel process facilitated the development of high-performance secondary Li-ion batteries for advanced electrochemical energy storage.
Vinodkumar Etacheri
Chapter 7. Sol-Gel Chemistry Engineering for Corrosion Protection
Abstract
Materials prepared using silicon and transition metal alkoxide precursors have been investigated with a view to preparing a Sol-Gel corrosion protection coating. The principles underlying the chemistry of the materials investigated in the research are presented in the first section of this chapter. The second section presents the published research from 2001 to present. This material has been divided into categories so that the trends and strategies for preparing such corrosion protection systems are easily recognised. Perspectives on the research are presented allowing for the identification of opportunities for further avenues of investigation. The key findings from the analysis are presented in the conclusion.
Killian Barton, Maikki Cullen, Brendan Duffy
Chapter 8. Graphene-Incorporated Sol-Gel Materials for Energy Applications
Abstract
During the last few decades, energy conversion devices and energy storage devices have been of great interest among scientists and engineers because of the fast depletion of petroleum fuels. Recently researchers are focusing on graphene-based materials for energy applications due to its high specific surface area, excellent electrical properties, high mechanical properties, and very good chemical stability. The 2D allotrope of carbon-based material is an ideal candidate for next generation energy devices. This chapter gives an overview on the recent research on graphene-incorporated sol-gel materials for energy conversion and storage applications, such as supercapacitors, solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and fuel cells.
Honey John, Maheswary Kavirajan Kavitha
Chapter 9. Sol-Gel Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide
Abstract
The basic principles of sol-gel synthesis, its advantages and disadvantages along with various applications are discussed. This technique is widely used for making semiconducting metal oxide nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). Depending on the titanium metal precursor type, two different approaches of sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 nanomaterials can be identified and are discussed here: (i) an alcohol-based process where the starting precursor is metal alkoxide and (ii) an aqueous-based process where the starting precursor is inorganic metal salts. The three different phases of TiO2, anatase, rutile and brookite are also discussed. Among the three, anatase is found to be more photocatalytically active than the other two phases. However, anatase was converted into rutile at low temperature; hence, the high-temperature stability of anatase TiO2 and its application as a photocatalyst which has also discussed.
Sanjay Gopal Ullattil, Pradeepan Periyat
Chapter 10. Sol-Gel Lanthanum Phosphate: A Versatile Ceramic Material for Diverse Functional Applications
Abstract
Lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) is one among the lanthanide family of rare earth phosphates characterized by versatile properties such as hydrophobicity, metallophobicity, low thermal conductivity and machinability. The possibility of creating non-wetting inorganic surfaces by simple wet chemical coating approaches impart diverse functionality to this material and a host of applications ranging from hydrophobic surfaces to metallophobic surfaces at T–1100 °C are realized. This chapter gives an overview of lanthanum phosphate ceramics and includes a detailed case study on the synthesis, morphology and phase formation of lanthanum phosphate nano-composites using a Sol-Gel approach and its application as coatings and monoliths for a variety of functional applications.
Sankar Sasidharan, Rajesh Komban, Shijina Nambiar, Balagopal N. Nair, M. Padmanabhan, Krishna G. Warrier, U. S. Hareesh
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Sol-Gel Materials for Energy, Environment and Electronic Applications
Editors
Suresh C. Pillai
Sarah Hehir
Copyright Year
2017
Electronic ISBN
978-3-319-50144-4
Print ISBN
978-3-319-50142-0
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50144-4

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